Common ethical theories include utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. Utilitarianism, founded by philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. Deontology, associated with Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to moral rules, arguing that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of their consequences. Virtue ethics, rooted in the works of Aristotle, focuses on the character of the moral agent and the cultivation of virtues, suggesting that ethical behavior arises from developing good character traits. Each of these theories offers unique perspectives on moral reasoning and can be applied to various ethical dilemmas.