>[!abstract] >A **Fundamental moral unit (FMU)** is the core entity that an ethical theory considers when evaluating choices and their impacts. An FMU can be an individual (in liberal ethics), a sentient being (in utilitarianism), rational agents (in Kantian ethics), ecosystems (in environmental ethics), or even communities and relationships (in communitarian ethics). >[!related] >- **North** (upstream): — >- **West** (similar): — >- **East** (different): — >- **South** (downstream): —