Moral Principles
Rules of action or guidelines for behavior which arise from a given ethical
system. According to L. Pojman Moral (or Normative)
Principles can be distinguished into at least two types:
1) First Order Principles - which guide attitudes within a
given social context, and 2) Second Order Principles - which guide
actions within a given social context. 'Second Order Principles' are
reflected in the particular moral norms of a society while the 'First Order
Principles' motivate them. Pojman believes the 'Second Order Principles' are
sufficient for a minimal Objectivist account of morality.
(see 'Objectivism')