motivation, motive, need - the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior; "we did not understand his motivation"; "he acted with the best of motives"

hedonism - the pursuit of pleasure as a matter of ethical principle

conscience, moral sense, scruples, sense of right and wrong - motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions

Christ Within, Inner Light, Light Within, Light - a divine presence believed by Quakers to enlighten and guide the soul

philosophy - the rational investigation of questions about existence and knowledge and ethics

bioethics - the branch of ethics that studies moral values in the biomedical sciences

casuistry - moral philosophy based on the application of general ethical principles to resolve moral dilemmas

endaemonism, eudemonism - an ethical system that evaluates actions by reference to personal well-being through a life based on reason

hedonism - an ethical system that evaluates the pursuit of pleasure as the highest good