...A Comparison of Ethical Theories A Comparison of Ethical Theories Every person, no matter how immoral or how moral, has a code of behavior to which they adhere. This code can come as a result of family life, learned from friends at a young age, influenced by coworkers and peers as an adult or could be a set of societal norms that a whole community conforms to. Philosophers have developed many theories regarding the reasoning behind the most common moralities, some as far back as Aristotle and others more recent, such as Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. The three most common theories of morality are best exemplified by these three men; Aristotelian moral theory, Kantian ethics and Mill’s utilitarianism. While these theories hold much in common regarding how they see morality, they differ greatly in their reasoning for why they think that way. Aristotelian virtue ethics focus more on the person as a moral creature at heart and their desire for morality to be the driving force behind moral behavior. An excellent example of the difference in the three theories in this instance would be a situation involving lying. Dishonesty is considered morally wrong by most theories of ethics, but all of the moral theories approach it differently. Deontology, as espoused by Immanuel Kant, would argue against the morality of lying from a moral absolutism standpoint. Lying is wrong no matter what, and any good that comes from it is discounted by the evil of lying. Utilitarianism...
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...A Comparison of Ethical Theories Ethics are codes of behavior, adopted by a group; a family, community or nations, setting the boarders for behavior. Some examples of ethics theories include: virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology. The virtue theory of ethics can be summed up with the statement, that if a person’s character is good, they will make good choices. The choices they make are strictly based on their internal thoughts and belief system, their choices do not rely on the laws of the country they live in or the traditions of their culture. The viewpoint of this theory is that “in living your life you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. Thomas Aquinas, added a religious aspect to this theory, his focus was on good and evil, specifically avoiding evil, obeying religious laws to be good. “For example, a virtuous person generally (habitually) acts virtuously, while doing virtuous acts also makes one virtuous.” Utilitarianism, at its most unpretentious explanation is that the moral worth of an action can be measure in the benefit of happiness that it brings. The consequence of an action, defines the morality of the judgment. This viewpoint focuses on the community as a whole, what decisions will enhance the lives of the most people. Groups who make up minorities can be left behind when decisions focus on the majority. Because this theory has a big focus on happiness, decisions can make only most of the population happy, but...
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...submission past 10 days results in an automatic 0% for coursework and the student will be barred from the final examination. B. Deliverables Students must submit all materials supporting their coursework listed in the deliverable section. ▪ The coursework must be done INDIVIDUALLY and must be entirely your own work. Please make sure that you are aware of the rules concerning plagiarism. If you are unclear about them, please consult your program coordinator/lecturer. ▪ The coursework should exhibit formal research skills i.e. with a table of content, proper citations, references, and appendixes. ▪ The coursework write up must be able to demonstrate critical analysis and application of both theory and practical issues to the companies that you have selected. ▪ Student may include additional relevant data/information apart from the proposed guidelines in conjunction to your research. Additional marks will be awarded for such attempt. ▪ Your coursework should not be more than 2500 words. ▪ Use one and half spacing with 12-point font and New Times Roman. Fully justified. Pages must be numbered. Appropriate HARVARD...
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...MSC 1 TAKE HOME EXAMINATION TITLED (ETHICAL THEORY CRITICISM) COURSE MAC 851 APPROACHES TO THE STUDY OF MASS COMMUNICATION LECTURER MR. JIMMY KAYODE WRITTEN BY AKIYODE ESTHER OLADUNNI MATRIC NO 01/09/AV/4018 TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION DEFINITION ETHICAL PRINCIPLES • BENEFICENCE • LEAST HARM • RESPECT FOR AUTONOMY • JUSTICE ETHICAL THEORIES • DEONTOLOGY • UTILITARIASM • RIGHTS • CASUIST • VIRTUE VIEW OR NOTABLE SCHOLARS • PLATO ABSOLUTION • ARISOTLE: EUDEMONISM • ST. THOMAS AQUINESS – NATURAL LAW • IMMANUEL KANT: DEONTOLOGY • JOHN STUART MILL – UTILITARISM • JOHN RAWLS – CONGRATURIANISM • TOM REGAN: RIGHTS THEORY (BONUS THEORY ) • TENTATIVE COMPARISON (TABLE & GRAPH) • CRITICISM AGAINST DEONTOLOGY: “ “ UTILITARIANISM “ “ RIGHTS “ “ CASUIST “ “ VIRTUE • CONCLUSION • REFERENCES CRITICISMS OF ETHICAL THEORIES INTRODUCTION The art of critiquing is basically to appraise a work i.e articles, write-ups, novels etc. Critiquing does not aim to condemn or castigate a paper but to seek the flaws, identify the various meanings, put up better explanations on the subject, seek the weaknesses and strengths and give opinions to enhance the quality of the discourse. The topic of this discourse is ETHICAL THEORIES CRITICISM. We shall examine the definition...
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...\documentclass[a4paper]{report} \begin{document} \title{Justice-based Ethics and its Applications} \author{Leo Huang} \date{2017-11} \maketitle \tableofcontents \newpage \chapter{An introduction to the Justice-based Ethics} \section{Preface} Ethical frameworks are an important part of human societies, from the most primitive societies of the past, to the most advanced societies of the future. Although we may not be aware of their effects, ethical frameworks guide our every action, our every decision, and our every thought, driving the immeasurably complex machine that is the human society. Many ethical frameworks operate on the personal level, and dictate only whether a single person should act - how the actions of one person can be ethical...
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...Psychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism: A Comparison Abstract There is a certain innate desire to help others, just as others will feel that same fulfillment for returning that aid. At the same time, however, there is also an inherent yearning to seek out one’s own best interest. This brings about a discussion regarding the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. To understand the similarities and differences, one must first understand the two concepts including their natures, as well as their doctrines of motivation. Psychological Egoism and Ethical Egoism: A Comparison Human beings place great value on the interests of both themselves and others. There is a certain innate desire to help others, just as others will feel that same fulfillment for returning that aid. At the same time, however, there is also an inherent yearning to seek out one’s own best interest. That being said, which is the more natural desire, and which of these will prevail when a decision must be made between self-interest, and the interest of others? This brings about a discussion regarding the difference between psychological egoism and ethical egoism. Philosophers as far back as Plato and Socrates – and likely further – have been pondering over these notions which remain just as relevant today. To understand the similarities and differences, one must first understand the two concepts including their natures, as well as their doctrines of motivation...
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...where the adolescents declare which faction they are more like and belong to. In the beginning of the story, the readers learn that the main character Tris is in fact a divergent, someone that belongs to more than one faction. The story follows Tris’s choices and actions throughout the course of the series. This series is filled with ethical dilemmas and how Tris deals with them. Readers follow Tris through her experiences as the faction system becomes corrupted and controlled by Erudite, the faction that focuses on intelligence. Jeanine, the faction leader of Erudite is obsessed with the idea of “divergent” and believes them to be dangerous. Because of Tris being...
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...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,...
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...Ethical Theories Matthew James Ditolla ETH/316 October 12, 2015 Kevin Barker Ethical Theories How does an individual determine what is right, wrong, ethical, or unethical? Throughout history, people have created various theories to help others answer that question. Virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontology are examples of ethical concepts. Through personal experiences, and an in-depth look and comparison of the various ethical theories, one gains a greater understanding of them all. Virtue Theory Virtue theory is an approach to ethics that emphasizes an individual's character as the prominent element in making ethical decisions. Dissimilar to the other two types of ethics, virtue ethics focuses on what kind of people we should be. Virtue theorists believe that everyone is born with their set of character traits and that each of us should foster those traits as we grow older. For example, a student in one of my previous cohorts plagiarized a large portion of his assignment and was caught. I knew the student very well, and as a result, I was able to judge the students character when deciding whether or not he intentionally plagiarized. This student usually produced excellent work, and perhaps the student had a family emergency or a late night and forgot to cite his sources properly. In this scenario, I was able to apply virtue ethics and be lenient on my peer. One weakness in virtue ethics is that it does not take an individual's changes...
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...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 understand which ethics theory being used. On a recent...
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...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...
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...WEEK 1 DQ # 1- One of your friends uses the terms ethics and morality interchangeably. You do not think this is correct. How would you explain the difference between ethics and morality? Provide an example of morality and one of ethics in your explanation. DQ # 2- Select two major ethical theories covered in your readings for Week One. What are the major differences between these two theories? Which one of these theories is most aligned to your personal beliefs? Explain. DQ # 3- What are examples of virtues, values, and moral concepts? How does each of these relate to one another? In what ways are they separate and in what ways are they connected? DQ # 4- In Ch. 6 of Basic Ethics, the author discusses the relationship of religion as it relates to morality and ethics. Using your own personal experiences as a resource, what, if any, relationship exists between religion, morality, and ethics? Explain your answer. Assignment (Individual)- Ethics Essay WEEK 2 DQ # 1- What are potential results if members of a community accept their community’s benefits, such as emergency services or school systems, but decline to contribute to the community beyond paying taxes? Explain. DQ # 2- Provide an example of a socially responsible effort within your community. In what ways does this influence the community? How do these efforts affect the individuals within the community. DQ # 3- Consider the community in which you live. What is your responsibility within your own community...
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...Current Event Syrian Refugee Crisis The Syrian refugee crisis has become the worst humanitarian crisis in the world today. Currently, more than 12 million people are affected by the ongoing conflict happening in Syria. For the sake of comparison, the amount of people affected by both hurricane Katrina and the Haiti Earthquake, only totals to 5.2 million people (World Vision staff, 2015). These tragedies both hail in comparison to what his happening in Syria today. Ethical Issue The current ethical issue being discussed in our society today, is whether or not we should allow Syrian refugees into the United States. There are strong proponents to each side of the debate, each with their own ideals as to what is the best course of action. The line seems to drawn between what is best for our own nation, and what is best for humanity overall. After the recent tragic attacks in Paris, more than half a dozen U.S. State governors have publically stated that they will not allow Syrian refugees into their state. This includes Governor Snyder of Michigan. Texas Governor, Greg Abbott, wrote in a letter signed to President Obama, “as governor of Texas, I write to inform you that the State of Texas will not accept any refugees from Syria in the wake of the deadly terrorist attack in Paris” (Millhiser, 2015). Louisiana State Governor, Bobby Jindal, went as far as to issue an executive order stating, “departments, budget units, agencies, offices, entities, and officers of the executive...
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...Ethical Theories Jeffrey Petros University of Phoenix The foundation for ethical solutions to life’s most challenging situations is served through the ethical theory. The basis that ethical theory deals with is how people behave towards one another. The comparison of virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are key in understanding the foundation of ethics and putting those virtues into complete action. Along with the discussion of these three theories, a discussion of each theory and personal experience will be expressed. The theory of virtue ethics, also known as character ethics theory, emphasizes that character matters above everything else and the role of character and virtue in the philosophy of morals is emphasized, rather than acting to bring about good consequences. This approach also focuses more on the integrity of the person than the decision or behavior itself (Trevino & Nelson, 2011). No matter the situation an honorable person is someone who is kindhearted and compassionate; not because they are out to gain favors or do their duty but because this is their character. Virtue ethics theories, unlike deontological theories, do not intend predominantly to identify universal principles that can be applied in all or any moral situations (Athanassoulis, 2010). Dealing with one's actions to the extent that other people are affected is what morality focuses on primarily. Morality requires one to consider others for who they are and not...
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...In today’s culture, ethical development is a vital society tool. There are various theoretical approaches; though different, some share very similar concepts. Understanding these similarities and differences provide one with a greater knowledge and 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...
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