As an expert in the field of philosophy, particularly in ethics, I would like to delve into the concept of "justice as fairness" and the broader field of ethical theories before addressing the specific types of ethical theories.

"Justice as Fairness" is a philosophical theory of justice proposed by John Rawls, an American philosopher. In his essay "Justice as Fairness: Political not Metaphysical," Rawls outlines his vision of a just society, which is grounded in two fundamental principles: the principle of liberty and the principle of equality. The principle of equality is further divided into two sub-principles: Fair Equality of Opportunity and the Difference Principle. The principle of liberty ensures that each person has the most extensive basic liberties compatible with similar liberties for others. The Fair Equality of Opportunity principle guarantees that all citizens have equal rights and opportunities to achieve positions of power and influence in society. The Difference Principle, perhaps the most well-known aspect of Rawls' theory, states that social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) reasonably expected to be to everyone's advantage, and (b) attached to positions and offices open to all.

Ethics, as a field, is the branch of philosophy that involves the study of moral values, such as good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, and moral duties. It is concerned with questions about what makes an action right or wrong and what kind of person one ought to be. Ethical theories can be categorized into three general subject areas: metaethics, normative ethics, and applied ethics. Metaethics deals with the nature of moral properties, statements, attitudes, and judgments. Normative ethics is the study of what makes actions right or wrong, and it provides a framework for moral decision-making. Applied ethics involves the application of ethical theories to specific practical issues.

The three types of ethical theories are virtue ethics, consequentialist ethics, and deontological or duty-based ethics.
Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent, emphasizing virtues such as courage, honesty, and wisdom. It is concerned with the question of what kind of person one should be.
Consequentialist ethics, on the other hand, judges the morality of an action based on its consequences. The most well-known form of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize overall happiness or pleasure.
Deontological ethics is based on rules and duties, asserting that certain rights and wrongs are absolute, regardless of the consequences. Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative is a prime example of deontological ethics.

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"Justice as Fairness: Political not Metaphysical" is an essay by John Rawls, published in 1985. In it he describes his conception of justice. It comprises two main principles of liberty and equality; the second is subdivided into Fair Equality of Opportunity and the Difference Principle.read more >>