Which term describes the principles of right behavior guiding individual actions?

The term that best describes the principles of right behavior guiding individual actions is "ethics." Ethics refers to the systematic approach to understanding and determining what constitutes right and wrong behavior within a specific context, often involving moral principles that govern a person's decisions and interactions with others. It embodies a framework for evaluating actions based on values and morals, helping individuals navigate complex situations in personal, professional, and social settings.

Ethics can be seen as the philosophical study of morality, which is the broader concept encompassing values and moral judgments. It specifically looks at standards of conduct and requires critical thinking about the implications of one's actions and the consequences they may have.

While morals relate to an individual's beliefs about right and wrong, and values express personal or cultural principles that influence behavior, ethics is more about the principles that establish a foundation for determining what is right conduct. Norms, on the other hand, refer to the accepted standards of behavior within a society or group but do not necessarily reflect individual principles of right behavior. Therefore, ethics is the most accurate term for the principles guiding individual actions.