Which of the following is NOT one of the five major ethical systems?

The option identified as the correct answer, which is Postmodernism, is not classified as one of the five major ethical systems. The five major ethical systems typically include universalism, utilitarianism, relativism, virtue ethics, and deontological ethics.

Universalism emphasizes that certain ethical standards apply universally, regardless of culture or individual preferences. Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes of actions, teaching that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness or utility. Relativism suggests that moral principles are not absolute but rather shaped by individual or cultural perspectives.

Postmodernism, while it addresses concepts of truth, meaning, and the nature of knowledge, is not primarily an ethical system. Instead, it is a broader philosophical perspective that critiques and deconstructs established ideas, including those in ethics, which makes it distinct from the fundamental ethical frameworks designed to guide moral reasoning and decision-making. Therefore, recognizing Postmodernism as separate from the recognized ethical systems clarifies its role in philosophical discussions as opposed to being a specific ethical guide.