What is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the standards by which human actions are judged right or wrong?

The branch of philosophy that focuses on the standards by which human actions are judged right or wrong is ethics. Ethics examines concepts of morality, exploring questions about what constitutes a good life, the nature of justice, and the basis for moral judgments. It seeks to define what behaviors are acceptable or unacceptable, guiding individuals in making choices aligned with moral standards.

In contrast, economics deals with the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services but does not assess the moral quality of actions. Politics analyzes power structures, governance, and the organization of societies but is more concerned with the distribution of power than with moral judgments. Law focuses on rules created by a governing body to regulate behavior, often influenced by ethical considerations, yet it primarily addresses the enforcement of these rules rather than the philosophical underpinnings of right and wrong.