...Ethics comparison essay Michael Njus ETH316 June 23, 2014 Aubrey Weekes Ethics comparison essay INTRODUCTION This paper will take a look at three different theories of ethics. The three theories are deontological, utilitarianism and virtue theory. The basics of ethics theories are similar in the fact that they are all a set of rules that govern what is deemed to be right or wrong, the following will define each and attempt to point out some differences in the theories. Deontological ethics, are ethical theories that place special emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of human actions. Deontology (Greek deon, “duty,” and logos, “science”) consequently focuses on logic and ethics (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014) Utilitarianism is a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number. (Merriam Webster, 2014) Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. (Athanassoulis, 2014) While the aim of all three theories is that we should strive to do what is right, the length that we should go to and who they would affect is the main difference in the three. The main difference...
Words: 620 - Pages: 3
...appreciation of these concepts. The content of this paper will consider the differences and similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theories, and address how each theory address ethics and morality. In addition, I will reflect on my personal experience through which I will expound on the association between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific of the three theories. In order to fully comprehend virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, one must begin with a descriptive knowledge of each ethical theory. Virtue theory accepts that a person will seek excellence and encourage others to seek it as well. The teachings of Greek philosopher Aristotle suggest that virtue implicates effective moral character and promotes sound judgment in resolving moral issues (Boylan, 2009). Human beings are social creatures; the application of moral ethics is located in the framework of a particular society. In a related manner, utilitarianism mandates that individuals behave in a way that is in morally appropriate for the benefit of many; maximizing overall contentment within a society. Boylan (2009) suggest that Utilitarianism ” is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (Boylan, p 153). Deontological ethics imply that individuals should conform to their commitments and responsibilities when faced with evaluating...
Words: 648 - Pages: 3
...three ethical theories virtue, utilitarianism theories, and deontological ethics will described relating factors to ethics and morality. Definitions for each will be given followed by how they relate in comparison to ethics and morals. Conclude by explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to ethics. Comparing morals and ethical theories helps one to understand a person’s guidance method, which helps or aides a person through their decision making process. Each theory will emphasize the different points including predicting the outcome or end results. To compare the similarities and differences between virtue, utilitarianism theories, and deontological ethics, you will see the breakdown what is meant by virtue and utilitarianism concepts and how they are defined. Stemming from my research, we understand ethics is the study of the person’s action and how that person determines right and wrong. And morals are our ability to determine right from wrong influenced by our upbringing in a religious environment. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary (n.d.), virtues are “conformity to a standard of right” and “a commendable quality or trait”. When I think about virtues, I imagine a person who does what is right no matter what the situation. This person must possess a quality trait that makes him or her believe that there is a higher power they have to eventually have to answer to in the end. “Virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent-based...
Words: 923 - Pages: 4
...University of Phoenix Material Student Name: ___ Facilitator: __ Ethical Theory Comparison of Ethical Theories Utilitarianism Ethics Deontological Ethics Virtue Ethics Definition “Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds that an action is right if it produces, or if it tends to produce, the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people affected by the action. Otherwise the action is wrong. According to utilitarianism, we should evaluate an action by looking at its consequences, weighing the good effects against the bad effects on all the people affected by it. If the good outweighs the bad, it tends to be a good action; if the bad outweighs the good, it tends to be a bad action” (DeGeorge, R. T. (2005). “The deontological approach to ethics denies the utilitarian claim that morality of an action depends on its consequences. Deontologists maintain that actions are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences. Moral rightness and wrongness are basic and ultimate moral terms. The deontological approach is not dependent on good and the production of, or the failure to produce, good. A person’s duty is to do what is morally right and to avoid what is morally wrong, regardless of the consequences. “Virtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in normative ethics. It may, initially, be identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties...
Words: 993 - Pages: 4
...at three of the major ethical theories; virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The format that will be used is a comparison that will show the similarities and differences between these three theories. It will conclude with a personal experience that will explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Aristotle has been given credit for the development of Virtue Ethics by creating the four basic virtues that have influenced every area of present-day thought. Bear in mind that Virtue theory assumes we have a superlative humanity where strength of character enables us to thrive (Kemerling, 2011). Aristotle’s thought was to develop treatises that provide a unanimous way of reasoning. One weakness of this ethical theory is that it does not take into consideration a person's change in moral character. Utilitarianism refers to what is considered to be an ideal standard or model that promotes maximization of overall happiness. Characterization is a type of naturalism or laws of nature approach to ethics. Utilitarianism believes people’s happiness should only be sacrificed to bring immense happiness to other people (Taranovsky, 2003). Inherent in both types of Utilitarianism are the flaws associated with predicting the future, and that it does not allow for the existence of supererogation or heroes. Deontological ethics does not consider consequences of an act as a cause...
Words: 819 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Comparisons and Similarities ETH/316 December 18, 2012 Abstract This paper will identify similarities and differences between the virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This paper will also highlight how each theory addresses ethics and morality differently. In this paper, personal experience will be used to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three principles. Ethics Comparisons and Similarities Virtue is referred to as a character ethic. It theorizes that in the life we live we should try to cultivate excellence in everything that we do as well as in everything that others do. In fact, the Greek word for “virtue” translates to “excellence.” Virtues are considered to be both moral and non-moral (Boylan, 2009). Morally, what makes a good person? (Boylan, 2009). Non-morally, what does a person do to be the best he or she can be? As a personal example I am reminded of my youth during middle school and high school. As a student and participant in concert band and marching band, I would practice and continuously train myself to be a better musician. The more I practiced the music the correct way, the better I became. I strove for excellence. This is a good non-moral example. Utilitarianism is a theory that means an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for a group than any other alternative (Boylan, 2009). As an example...
Words: 412 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Essay Patti Lever ETH/316 August 6, 2012 Kevin Barker Ethics Essay Looking at today’s society, ethics plays a major role in it. Also, comes the devotion to certain ethical and moral principles which have an optimistic growth in an individual’s moral nature. Then the detailed living experiences which support or help with the assured individual’s in order to bring out the growth or their ideals or principles. This essay is going to show the comparisons and dissimilarities between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will also show the details of how each of these theories influence both ethics and morality, along with giving examples of a special event from a virtue theory as it relates to both values and moral concepts. The virtue theory is based on character, intentions, and the morals of an individual ( Trevino & Nelson, 2007). It is said that this principled presumption is more concerned with the morals of the person rather than actually dealing with the consequences that might happen. In addition, one’s personality can be based on how good or disrespectful they are or maybe even both. Persona and character is something you are not born with, still you can achieve this throughout your life with numerous assorted living capabilities or ethical principles. The utilitarianism theory is centered on the top way of dealing with the consequences of a person. Utilitarian’s are not going to look at the differences in a selected act that is concerned...
Words: 574 - Pages: 3
...Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 30, 2014 Ethics Essay Comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics is what will be discussed in this essay. Also, explaining a personal experience in how the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories will be discussed. What are ethical theories? “Ethical theories deal with the question of how human beings ought to behave in relation to one another. In the broadest sense, they define what qualifies as right and wrong, as well as how to promote human flourishing (Dontigney, 2014).” The comparison between the three ethical theories are that each theory promotes the decision to choose what is right or wrong in particular situation. Whereas, the differences are the types of a situation a person is dealing with. Each of the theories describes a different situation on how one deals with their choice of right and wrong. The definitions of each ethical theory is as follows. First, virtue is a theory that it looks at ones individual character, rather than his or her actions. For example, if a student cheats on an assignment, the virtue theory looks at the students past personality traits to help determine if he or she is guilty (Hamilton, 2014). Second, deontological is a theory that looks at the consequences of one actions toward life choices and how those action relate to responsibility and obligation. For example,...
Words: 606 - Pages: 3
...A Comparison of Ethical Theories University of Phoenix Pablo E. Domínguez Nieves ETH / 316 Pedro Jose Rivera-Rivera February 12, 2013 All of us have reasons for what we do, for the many decisions that shape how we interact with the world. These reasons are part of our worldview and in turn can be traced back to a theory of good, from these we will discuss: Virtue Theory, Deontological Theory and the Utilitarianism Theory. These three are the basic Ethical theories and will be described and then compared, giving similitudes and differences between them. I will also give an example and try to explain the relationship between values, virtue and moral concepts thru the lens of the Utilitarianism Theory. First we should give brief descriptions of the basis for each of the three theories, starting with Virtue or Character Ethics. You should strive for excellence in all you do! Does that sound familiar? Virtue Ethics take the viewpoint that in living life you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do (Boylan, 2009). This view, which takes a look at the complete character of the person, is more focused on the long run and will look leniently on an occasional slip up instead of nitpicking at specific situations. Thinking of it in terms of sports analogies it can be compared to the selection and induction of a great baseball player to the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. That decision is based on that player’s performance over their whole career, a slump on that...
Words: 695 - Pages: 3
...and experiential psychology, and at hand are two universal moves in the direction one might take. A principle that normally is set by ethical philosophy is not based on how an individual measures up to ones principles. On the other hand, one possibly will appear to have ethical qualities within the principle guidelines that general morals should be controlled by structure. This subsequent move toward, ethics is not that the normative/descriptive difference vanishes; instead, it simply thinks that a theory of moral character ought to be appropriately Social psychology explains to us what ethical mediators are like, because asset approaches build character and its mechanism is the foundation of ethics, it looks to be mainly suitable that such moves take the psychosomatic information on nature and its apparatus sincerely. This longing for sensitive principles to a degree clarifies the current resurrection of virtue principles; however it in addition leads to various disputes to the design that mediators embody vigorous ethical characters. Deontological techniques of ethics are more often than not...
Words: 988 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Essay ETH/316 Dr. Jody Kehle October 31, 2013 Ethics Essay The comparison in the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics explains how an individual handles moral and ethical issues on a daily basis. Virtual theory uses the judgment of ones character rather than ones actions. The individual’s morals, reputation, and motivation are some of the factors used in this theory to help determine ones character. This theory does not take into consideration a change in moral behavioral character. Utilitarian theory is based on the capability to predict the consequences ones own action. The utilitarian uses the point system and prediction of solutions. Utilitarian has two types; act utilitarian and rule utilitarian. Each of the utilitarian types is somewhat different, yet similar. Act utilitarian is the same as the utilitarian theory; however, rule utilitarian considers the law and justice. Deontological theory is one that is based on the belief that one should adhere to ones own commitments and duties when dealing with an issue. One of the benefits of this theory is that one will use this bases for commitments and duties to others. For example, a grandmother may feel the warrant to take care of her grandchildren, when they are in financial need. All these theories can demonstrate moral and ethical behaviors for those individuals that adhere to them on a daily basis. In my own personal experience, I am able to...
Words: 410 - Pages: 2
...Ethical Theories In today’s society, especially in business the question of what is ethical is a dilemma that a great deal of individuals is faced with every day. Ethics vary from person to person and culture to culture. What is unethical in the United States of America may be completely ethical in China. Dictionary.com defines ethics as the moral principles that govern a person’s or a group’s behavior. There are many different theories of ethics, and which one a person chooses to live by, depends on which theorist the individual believes to be more in line with their own personal moral beliefs. When business ethics is discussed it is hard to speak about it without mentioning the name of Milton Friedman. Milton Friedman was an economist that theorized business ethics as monetarism. He is essentially responsible for promoting the economic growth of a company and the benefits to their shareholders. The primary goal and motivating force in business is to make a profit, and try to maintain efficiency while making a profit. Friedman’s theory is in correlation with the philosophy of corporate law. In corporate law the shareholders own the company, and they vote on the Board of Directors. The greatest duty is owed to the shareholders as owners of the business. Typically the Board of Directors makes the important decisions because they ensure the company is running efficiency while making a profit at the same time. Making a profit is the primary reason any company is in business...
Words: 3336 - Pages: 14
...organization, he or she should expect to be held to the highest principles of honesty and ethical behavior. Organization’s administrators are responsible for emerging and maintaining the ethical culture through, effective leadership, severe-hiring practices, ethical based training, well-expressed programs, responsibility, and the identification and recognition of insubordinate subcultures. 3. Review the attached file diagram for Sequential Theory. Does it clarify or confuse you further from the written form? Provide a short description of your interpretation of the Theory? After reviewing the diagram and compared the similarities and differences between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theory’s with a description of differences in how each address ethics and morality. With a scenario that has explained the relationship between...
Words: 862 - Pages: 4
...There are many comparisons and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The theories alike have different view points on ethics and morality to the society and individuals, however, the aftermath of each theory are different. Virtue theory says that people have virtues for the sake of what is good and right. These virtues are for the overall human good. These control our behaviors on how we react, feel and interpret things. Earning what you deserve rather stealing what not yours can reflects as living a virtuous life. Hard workers actions can reflect a person’s morals and virtues. In personal experience, virtue theory relates for being self employed and in the restaurant business. Employees and customers alike trust a business to do what is right by them. Utilitarian theory deals with the good for a large number of people. The desired result is that the masses benefits but not at the expense of harming others, especially if the masses is the minority. Some may have to accept the reality of sacrifice for the overall greater good. It is less concerned with individuals because it solely considers the benefit for the most people. Its success determines the outcome for the majority of the people. As this relates to personal experience, a business owner may choose to replace a well seasoned manager with the company with they seem to affect the overall goals of the entire staff. Deontology is the meaning behind ethical decisions...
Words: 323 - Pages: 2
...Corporate Governance and Ethical Responsibility LeKesha Rideaux Professor Christina JG Williams, Esq. LEG 500 Law, Ethics, and Corporate Governance 02/17/2013 In this research paper I will give the different stake holders Dr. DoRight has to deal with on a day-to-day basis as the President of the “Universal Human Care Hospital.” I will also give comparisons and contrasts concerning conflicts of interest that could arise among both the internal as well external stakeholders. I will attempt to explain whether or not Dr. DoRight has fulfilled his ethical duty with his reporting of the illegal procedures that have taken place. I will also give examples of the deontology and utilitarianism principles and apply them to this case. Businessdictionary.com defines stakeholder as “a person, group or organization that has an interest or concern in an organization. Stakeholders can affect or be affected by the organizations actions, objectives and policies.” In order to determine who the possible stakeholders in any situation may be you should ask questions such as who will be affected. Who holds an official position in relation to the situation? Or who has been involved in a similar situation? External stakeholders are those who are not directly associated to the organization, however, they can be influenced or in a situation to manipulate activities within the association. Although no ownership exists, they may still be impacted by any decisions, actions or just the overall...
Words: 1309 - Pages: 6
