...Utilitarianism, Ethical Egoism, and Moral Relativism Tom Gardner Ethics is a branch of philosophy that attempts to answer the questions; what’s right? What’s wrong? And why? Moral relativism is an ethics position that essentially states that people have disagreeing moral beliefs and therefore you must but tolerant of other's morals. This position leads to the problematic realization that if this is the case there can be no objective moral truths nor can there be any universal principles. Act utilitarianism and ethical egoism are two different ethics theories that attempt to respond to this challenge of moral relativism in different ways. Ethical egoism attempts to respond to the challenge of moral relativism by justifying that there is a universal principle for what actions are right and what are wrong. It is a form of consequentialism, which means it looks solely at the consequences of action to see if it is right or wrong. The defining sentence of egoism is as follows, “What's good for you is right and what's bad for you is wrong.” This phrase can be interpreted in a number of ways, the most popular one being: every person should act in their own self-interest. This means that when deciding on whether an action is good, any effect on others (mental or physical) by said action has no merit. An egoist that is measuring or justifying an action's goodness is only examining the possible positive or negative effects this action will have on him. The majority of the justification...
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...“Moral relativism is a better system than moral absolutism” Moral relativism refers to the normative ethical system which rejects the idea of absolutes and instead believes that “man is the measure of all things”- which was skilfully expressed by Ruth Benedict. The moral relative system surpasses that of moral absolutism and this will be justified throughout this essay. Moral relativist systems exceed moral absolutist systems due to diversity. The system explains the different values that people hold and encourages diverse cultural expressions due to there being no rigidity or fixe ethical code. This allows for a better system as it signifies freedom of expression and people being able to share their opinions with each other, without there being a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. This is due to the system prohibiting dominant cultures from enforcing itself over others simply because of a disparity of opinions. This means that all cultures are valued by a relativist as there is no objective knowledge that one must accept, they instead must accept all actions as equally valid in the society in which they take place. This would then make is difficult for a relativist to criticise religious acts such as Muslim women wearing a hijab in England , which is beneficial to society due to the lack of discrimination and ignorance. In conjunction with diversity, moral relativism is a better system than moral absolutism due to circumstantial aspects. Moral absolutism does not take into account the...
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...Similarities and Differences in Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics This document will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. A persons ethical and social responsibility is very important to their personal and business success. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identify and classify what is ethical and moral. I will also provide a personal example of one of the ethical behavior. The first question you must ask yourself is what are the meaning of Virtue Theory, utilitarianism, and Deontological. According to the Webster Dictionary; Virtue- normally good behavior or character, a good moral quality, or the good result that comes from somerthing. Now what does that mean in laymens term, After reviewing the technical and professional expernatiation When talking about ethics it is hard to distinguish between ethics and morality. It is also hard to distinguish exactly what realm of ethics contributes to my everyday decisions. Ethics can be defined as “well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues [and] ethics refers to the study and development of one's ethical standards” (Andre, Shanks, & Velasquez, 2010, para. 8-9). According to Psychology Today (2013) morality is, “ethics, evil, greed, sin, and conscience” (para. 1). “Morals can vary from person to person...
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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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...Arthur Anderson participated in the fraud because the firm did not want to risk losing lucrative consulting contracts from Enron, which created a conflict of interest situation (Miller, 2004). The events leading to the collapse of Enron can be analyzed using the ethical frameworks suggested by consequentialist theory, deontological theory, and virtue ethics. Such an analysis can provide an explanation of the failure of Enron’s directors, mangers, and auditors to adhere to their ethical duties to the shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers of the firm. Consequentialist theory suggests that an act is ethically wrong if it results in consequences deemed wrong or harmful by the majority of people in a society (Hooker, 2002). The consequentialist theory requires assessing the actual consequences of the act, which includes both direct and indirect consequences. It also requires using some type of evaluative norm for determining whether the consequence is beneficial or harmful. The theory is prescriptive because the evaluative norms are used to guide whether individuals should perform or avoid an act. To apply the theory, there must be general agreement in a society as to the nature of the evaluative norms. The theory also suggests that the ethics of each situation should be determined according to the specific circumstances without reference to an absolute legalistic or moralistic standard....
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...Deontological Versus Teleological Ethical Systems ADJ/235 July 8, 2011 Deontological Versus Teleological Ethical Systems Ethical Systems Ethical systems are ordered principles or guidelines to make moral decisions. They are the source of moral beliefs. Ethical systems help define what is right or good. Ethical systems are morals that are shared by a group of people, but not all people always agree to what is right or good. There are seven major ethical systems. These major systems are ethical formalism, utilitarianism, religion, natural law, ethics of virtue, ethics of care, and egoism. Each of these major ethical systems is either classified as deontological, teleological, or virtue. Deontological Ethical Systems A deontological ethical system is based on the idea that we have a duty to do certain things and not doing certain things. The word deontological comes from “deonto” meaning “duty” in Greek (Wittjen). With the deontological ethical system, one would consider the basic duties and rights of individuals or groups and make a decision based on your moral beliefs. Ethical formalism is deontological and is a type of theory which defines moral judgments in terms of their logical form rather than their content. Ethical formalism is considered as an absolutist system. If something is wrong, it is wrong all the time. Just as if something if right, it is right all the time. For example, the death sentence is wrong because death to someone and anyone is wrong all...
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...Some Fundamental Concepts in Ethics"Ethics" may be broadly defined as that division of philosophy which deals with questions concerning the nature of value in matters of human conduct.While virtually all people are concerned with making ethical judgments and decisions, philosophers in particular are concerned to a) explicate the nature of such judgments in general and b) provide criteria for determining what is ethically right or wrong, and c) analyze the grounds or reasons we have for holding them to be correct.Those concerned exclusively with telling us what is right or wrong, good or bad, in matters of human conduct may be termed "moralists." While philosophers have sometimes been moralists, as philosophers their primary concern is not so much to provide moral prescriptions as it is to explain why what we consider to be "right" or "good" is right or good. To do so, philosophers engaged with such questions have generally sought to formulate and justify "ethical theories" which are intended to explain the fundamental nature of that which is "good," why it is "good," and why the ethical principles which are most commonly used to evaluate human conduct follow (or do not follow) from this theory of that which is good.While there are of course many words in English (as well as most languages) which refer to positive andnegative values, we may simplify our vocabulary by taking the words "good" and "bad" to refer to positive and negative values respectively...
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...Ethics Essay Ethical development is an important tool in today’s society and is the basis of a defining an entire culture. In this paper, the topic will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theories. Additionally, reflecting on a personal experience I will explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific ethics theory. Similarities and Differences in Ethics Theories Understanding the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics starts with describing each ethic theory. According to Boylan (2009), virtue theory has a definition of cultivating excellence in life and constituting an aspect of the “good person”. Utilitarianism according to Boylan (2009),” 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” (p. 153). Finally, according to Encyclopedia Britannica (2012), “deontological ethics, in philosophy, ethical theories that place special emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of human actions” (Deontological Ethics). The similarities between the three theories represent the good in people, how they strive for excellence, and justified good. The differences in the three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory describes a person’s character...
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...Barrett Ethics Essay Ethical theories are sets of rules that are meant to serve as a foundation to help people find solutions when they encounter ethically-challenging situations in life. These rules are guidelines for how humans should behave when relating to one another (Panza, 2010). This essay will compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. A situational example will be added to demonstrate how the utilitarian theory relates to virtue, values and morals. Ethical Theories - Similarities The virtue theory centers around the idea that all ethical choices are based on an individual’s morals and beliefs. The results of the decisions made by that individual are solely based on what he/she considers morally correct even if in some instances laws might be broken. The utilitarian theory is based on the idea decisions must be made to ensure the results benefit the “greater-good” not just for one person’s self-interest. The outcome should decrease suffering and increase happiness of the world. The virtue and utilitarian theories are similar in that their purpose is to reduce suffering regardless of pre-imposed laws. Deontological theory revolves around making decisions based purely on obeying pre-set rules and laws. Obeying the pre-conceived rules and laws is the correct thing to do even if the outcome could increase suffering (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013). Deontological theory is similar to the virtue...
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...Michelle L. Vestal Ethical Theories and Behavioral Traits Ethics 316 LARRY FRAZIER Eight July, 2013 What is your theory regarding the ethical beliefs and morals of the people in your everyday life? There is no right or wrong answer to this question because who is to say that one ethical theory or moral behavior is better than another individuals ethical theory or moral behavior? This paper will address the three main ethical theories, Virtue theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological and define them by providing examples of their similarities, and differences. Last this paper will identify how each theory addresses both ethics and morality and the Pros and Cons for each. According to New Yourks Saint Martins Press, 1998, each theory emphasizes different aspects of an ethical dilemma that lead to the most ethically correct resolution according to the guidelines within the ethical theory itself. The first Theory is the Virtue Theory and it is best defined as someone who’s character is pure and good and they naturally strive to do good by all people and they value other peoples well being as much as they value their own. This is a learned trait, but can be achieved by everyone if taught to put good out in the world, not for self gratification but instead because it’s morally right to do so. Unlike the deontological theory, the Virtue theory performs good deeds naturally and without regard to it being their duty to do so. But the negative aspect to this type of theory is that the...
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...ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper is going to evaluate the resemblances and variations between quality concept, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics and morality and it will also talk about an experience to describe the relationship between quality, principles, and ethical principles as their associate with one of the three principles. Differences in How These Theories Address Ethics and Morality Virtue ethics emphasizes on virtues rather than the rules or consequences whereas deontology emphasizes on duties and their adherence to rules, and utilitarianism puts more emphasizes on the consequences of an action while considering what action creates the greatest good for the most. In our weekly readings we found that virtue ethics is also known as an agent based or character ethical theory (Boylan, 2009). In using this approach one must look to do well in all that they do in life. This theory is where many believe in the old saying, “do unto others as you would be done by”. When we look at utilitarianism we see that it sets its strength on the consequences of a moral action and its outcome. According to Boylan (2009), utilitarianism sets that an action is morally right when the action produces more total utility for the group that any other alternative. In this ethical theory one is forced to consider the consequences when presented with an ethical decision...
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...Applying an Ethical Theory Moral or Ethical dilemmas are an everyday occurrence in our society. The situations present two options as solutions from which one is expected to choose. There is an expectation though that one will choose the option that is considered moral. Ethical questions or problems face every human being at some point in life. One such moral question is; “is it right for women to have abortions”. Abortion has been a major cause of controversy all around the world, with people having different views on whether abortion is good or bad based on their moral beliefs. The main issue that surrounds this ethical dilemma is whether the fetus should have rights to life. Another issue is whether there is justification for a woman to perform abortion based on the rights to her body considering the fetus also has rights to life (Tännsjö, 2008). The deontological theory is not in support of abortion; the objection though, is that women also have rights over their bodies. Discussion Deontological ethics is a moral theory that is in line with common sense intuitions, the scriptures, and natural moral duties or rules. The theory mainly focuses on compliance with moral duties or rules. The main principles of the theory include a task should be carried out for the sake of the obligation. For instance, there is a duty not to do certain things such as murder, lie or break promises since these acts are considered to be wrong. The expected consequences define what the duty is...
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...over one’s lifetime, and this will guide that individual through the difficult conditions of life. There are three ethical theories that shape an individual’s beliefs. The three ethical theories include virtue theory, utilitarianism theory, and deontological theory (Boylan, 2009). A virtuous person is someone who is kind throughout many different situations over their lifetime because that is part of their character traits. Virtue theory emphasizes the role of a person’s character and virtue rather than doing one’s duty. Utilitarianism theory is placing the needs or interests of others above one’s own interests and needs. Utilitarianism places the focus of right and wrong on the outcomes of choosing one action over other actions. The Deontological theory places special importance on one’s duty to do what is right. An act is measured as decent because of a distinguishing action, not because the result of the action is good. Deontological ethics believes that some acts are morally necessary regardless of their consequences for human welfare. The virtue theory places an individual’s needs above others, but utilitarian and deontological theories place the interests of the group above the individual. The three theories are ethical behaviors that one may choose to use and each theory can be used in a different way depending on a person’s situation. Virtue theory address ethics and morality by saying that an individual will do the right thing to get what they want, even if an...
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...Introduction The purpose of this case assignment centers on the examination of the how the Adelphia Communications’ executives violated the trust of the company’s shareholders and the trust of the community through the analytical view of deontological ethics. This analysis will be achieved by defining deontological ethics and Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative. A review of the Adelphia Communications Scandal will be conducted with a general assessment of what ethical issues were present based on deontological ethics and Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative. The Adelphia Communications Scandal The Adelphia Communications Corporation was the sixth largest provider of cable services in the United States prior to filing bankruptcy in 2002 due to a major accounting scandal. Adelphia’s management intentionally misled investors by falsifying financial statements to give the appearance the organization was financially solid and performing well above normal, by excluding billions of dollars of debt from financial statements. The auditors fail to find any fraudulent action in the financial statements. John Rigas was the original founder of the corporation and later joined with his brother and sons. The Adelphia Communications Corporation (investors) provided over $2.3 billion worth of personal loans to the Rigas family. The Rigas family received assets via fund transfers from the Adelphia Communications Corporation through journal entries to purchase...
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...‘Deontological and teleological approaches to ethical decision making’ The term deontological is an approach to Ethics that focuses on the rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, as opposed to the rightness or wrongness of the consequences of those or to the character and habits of the person, whilst on the other hand, teleological Teleology is a reason or explanation for something in function of its end, purpose, or goal. For example, a teleological explanation is where is does not focus on the action but it only focuses on the outcome or consequences. Ethical decision making helps people make difficult choices when faced with an ethical dilemma, a situation in which there is no clear right or wrong answer, Refers to the process of evaluating and choosing among alternatives in a manner consistent with ethical principles. In making ethical decisions, it is necessary to perceive and eliminate unethical options and select the best ethical. If an ethical approach if deontological, it means the morality of an action is intrinsic, which means that the act is completely wrong or completely right. Also the right or wrong of the act cannot change, it stays the same. For example - murder is wrong because it is wrong, it will always be wrong. Therefore this is a Deontological approach towards murder. On the other hand, if an ethical approach is Teleological, it means that it only focuses on the outcome that is caused by the action, also it is the result of an action that decides...
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