...Virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are all examples of morals and ethics and have their similarities and differences. In this paper the similarities and differences will be explored a personal experience shared. Virtue theory is how a person acts and does not take into consideration particular acts, rules, or consequences, the only consideration is if the person is acting morally or unmorally. Virtue theory is composed of three main ideas eudemonism, agent-based theories, and the ethics of care. Eudemonism is based in reasoning, agent-based theories are based in common sense and intuition, and ethics of care is solely based on justice and it should be noted as a primarily feminist idea. Utilitarianism is maximizing pleasure over pain not for only oneself but for the greatest number of people possible. Utilitarianism is often seen in a religious sense and can be attributed to the Christian teaching of Jesus Christ or the Buddhist teaching of the Buddha. Utilitarianism can also be seen as a hedonist as written about by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, since the act does not cause a negative effect for others. Utilitarianism’s main lesson is maximizing pleasure over pain, but can be interpreted in more than one way. Deontological ethics is basically making the correct moral choices; this can be seen through a religious spectrum as following the rules of the (Christian) church and doing the Lord God’s will. The person committing an act may...
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...PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics John Doe Allied American University Author Note This paper was prepared for PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics, Check Your Understanding Module 2 taught by Steven Klein. Directions: Please provide detailed and elaborate responses to the following questions. Your responses should include examples from the reading assignments. Each response should be at least one half of one page in length and utilize APA format. 1. According to Kant, when is an action morally praise-worthy? Firstly, an action, according to Kant, is considered moral if the principle motivating the action is universalizable. Kant’s ethics is considered a deontological theory, meaning that the action’s morality is in the action itself, separated from results and consequences. For it to be praise-worthy and moral, the action must work and implemented on a universal scale. 2. Describe one of the criticisms often leveled against Kant's theory. · One criticism against Kant’s theory is that it relies on subjective judgment. Kant’s theory judges what principles should be universalizable, which allows possibilities on being able to justify committing horrendous acts. 3. Although the two versions of the categorical imperative appear different, Kant contends that they are two ways of stating the same thing. How does Kant support his claim? · Kant believed in always treating people with respect, as ends...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 10, 2013 Ethics Essay This paper is to compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The actions that judge these comes with consequences of the same and how well people conduct themselves based on their set of duties. The questions that come into mind are “what should I do?” also “what sort of person should I be?” The first question is focused on the deontological and teleological where the second question focuses on the virtue theory. These ethical values form a relationship among them, and varies in the purpose of the actions and ethical values that we have in which as a person make moral decisions based on the actions that would make us a good person. When discussing ethics and the similarities of the different lenses one should explain what the lenses are, a description of the differences in which each theory addresses ethics and morality. First, ethics may be defined as, the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human right conduct which includes the study of universal value. These theories all include judging in different aspects, whether it is in the moment, what happens after, or over a lifetime. 1. Virtue theory is dealing mainly with the character of a person. This theory emphasizes one’s character not he obligations or duties expected of them. Virtues are qualities that virtually morally good and desirable in a person. 2. Utilitarian theory usually...
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...Ethics Paper Tania Hudson ETH/316 Version 3 February 17, 2014 Christopher Whetstine According to virtue ethics what is important to ethical life is the commitment to be a good and virtuous person. Virtue ethics is based more on a person’s character rather than rules. Virtues are reliable habits that you engrave into your identity, habits that direct you toward good. Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of your actions. It argues that if you can increase the overall happiness of the world in some way then you have brought good. Deontological ethics places emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of human actions, and focuses on the logic and ethics. In deontological ethics an action is considered morally good because of some characteristic of the actions itself, not because the product of the action is good. Deontological says that some actions are morally obligatory regardless of their consequence. A personal experience I would like to share relates to Virtue theory, I chose this one because of recent work incident that resulted in me getting terminated from my job just about a month ago. My employer states that I violated a Code of Ethics policy, because I signed a co-workers name to a loan document. Now I admit that I did sign this document but I not for reason of any personal gain, I know the code of ethics policy but my understanding of the consequences are different from what the Human Resources department feels. The document was...
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...ways to approach the level of normative ethics. Those most common are virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper intends to describe and compare the differences and similarities between the three. It will also take into account the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts and how they may relate to any of these theories. Utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics are all parts of normative ethics. Utilitarianism recognizes the consequences of ones actions. Deontology is an emphasis of ones duty or rules involved with their life. Virtue ethics is also known as agent-based or character ethics. This type of ethics focuses on virtue or moral character. When a person exercises virtue ethics, that person makes their own excellence via knowledge gained by experience. This type of ethics is a good example to others and promotes basis for a life that others appreciate (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is when a person feels that an action or thought is morally correct. Any result of promoted by the thought or action produces more of a utility for the group promoting the thought or action (Boylan, 2009). Deontological ethics are those that judge morality of an action by way of following rules. This type of ethics determines right or wrong based on the rules they are given and the duty of following those rules. The person that believes deontological ethics is best for them will not appreciate alternate consequences and therefore follow...
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...Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics The most widely utilized approaches today to ethics consist of virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Each are for doing the right thing, but have different ideas on what is the right thing. During this paper I will be discussing the differences in these approaches to ethics Virtue Theory This approach to ethics has to do with one’s moral character and how one should live. Aristotle was a famous mind who believed in this form of ethics. Utilitarianism In this approach to ethics one considers the consequences, and what maximizes happiness. If my son was dying of some disease and there was a cure that I could not afford. It would be ok to steal it to save his life, as long as it is saving his life without really hurting others. There is no shortage and the doctor could most definitely afford it. Deontological Ethics Deontological ethics deals with duty, and maxims, or universal law. Unlike virtue theory dealing with just ones virtues, deontology deals with the effects of the mass. With utilitarianism it was ok to steal to save a life as long as it maximizes happiness without truly hurting others. But with deontology if stealing for anything should become a maxim then the world would be without ethics. Conclusion During my time in the Army the word values was imprinted into my head. The way I conducted myself from day to day would be to live by these values for others to follow. My values...
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...Ethics Essay Jermaine Ford ETH/316 June 12, 2016 Dr. Stephanie Hancock Ethics Essay Everyday people deal with difficult situations. For years Ethical theories have been the main point in creating solutions to these problems. Ethical theory has to do with how people react to situations as well as how they react in with dealing with others. The main idea of this paper will be to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue theory. A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality as well as a personal experience to explain the relationship between moral concepts, values, and virtue will included as well (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013). The virtue theory deals with character traits as the most important part. Moral character is most emphasized element in ethical thinking. This is placed above ones actions in order to bring good consequences to the situation. Virtue theory also has to do with integrity to the highest order over the behavior and decisions (“Ethical Theories Compared”, 2001). Virtuous people are kind above all else. They are kind because of their character and do not concern themselves with receiving favors or thinking about how the situation can benefit them. Theories of virtue do not identify characteristics principles that can use in any moral situation (“Ethical Theories Compared”, 2001). Morality has to do with your actions when other people are directly...
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...There are three significant approaches in normative ethics such as quality 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...
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...Ethics Ethics The schools of thought; virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, have their similarities and differences relating to how they deal with matters of morality and ethics within a society or even with the individual. As a consequence, the benefits, and consequences suffered by an individual will depend on the theory adopted and applied. In this paper I will attempt to distinguish the three schools of thought citing appropriate examples from my personal experiences. Virtue theory takes the view that human beings do have virtues that for the “greater good” up help despite the nature of the action. This theory states that the individual makes a decision on whether to take a certain action while looking at the consequences of the theory. The theory further states that the virtues in each of us drive our behavior as well as control how we interpret or feel about things. As a consequence, a person acts in accordance with his or her morals and virtues (Sterba, 2009). Turning to utilitarianism, we have to understand that it deals with what is of “the greatest good for the highest number of people.” The theory adopts the concept of analyzing benefits that are essentially for the good of the whole community or society as opposed to what may be good for an individual; the greatest benefit for the majority is always desired. The theory also holds that although the majority may be the objective of decision making...
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...Comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics ETH/316 Comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. A personal experience to explain in how each theory between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Comparing and contrasting ethical theories helps one to understand one guidance system which helps or aides one through their decision making process. “Each theory emphasizes different points such as predicting the outcome and following one’s duties to others in order to reach an ethically correct decision.” Each theory has a familiar thread with an end goal. In this paper each of the following three ethical theories utilitarianism, Virtue, and Deontological will be described relating to ethics and morality. Concluding with a personal experience with which the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to utilitarianism. While describing the utilitarianism is concerned with arriving at the most well for all. “According to this theory an individual’s rights may be infringed upon in order to benefit a greater population.” In terms of ethics of a utilitarian trying to make positive change for a larger group. Morally a utilitarian would guide themselves in decision based on the group they belong...
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...will be a result of some consequences. This ethics is for the greatness of numbers. It more relates to a religious-like Christianity. They decide to believe in happiness even it's against the religious law, and the consequences are not healthy. An example is to lie at to anyone to have happiness in life or for a better life. In medicine, it has its cure but will have its side effect. The cure is more important for most people than thinking about the side effect of the medicine. Deontological ethics is against utilitarianism. It's all about the rule in either they suffer or not the needs to follow. Following your duties is the correct moral rule. If you don't do your duty, you will be immorally behaving. Society and religion make their rules that need to be followed even it will have suffered. Some examples are food; we have to kill a living thing to live. These living things are animals that we can eat and making food out of an animal will benefit everyone. In my personal life, I’m more in deontological ethics since I have a very strict employer. I have to deal with all the policy in our job. I hold my job's financial budget, and I can purchase anything I need to buy according to the policy. I have the power to approve any purchases and having that power is very...
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...Ethics Paper 1. There are two ethical theories that are involved in this case, Consequential and Deontological. Starting with the consequential theory, the act of viewing the leaked data of the competitors would give Bananas! a great advantage in the industry. Which in the business world, isn’t viewed as such a terrible thing. Actually using the data would be very useful to Bananas! as well. Any company who is behind in any industry is going to be looking for anyway to get ahead. The fact that none of the information they will be using is illegal is just another incentive to go ahead and use the data for their own advantage. On the other hand, there is the deontological theory. This theory applies to a more personal level. Jennifer could feel guilt about using the data, knowing that the competitors do not know about the leak of their data. The universal rule would be to tell the competitors about this, and let them get their data protected. Of course, she wouldn’t let her employees use the information either. Even though there is no law saying Jennifer’s company couldn’t look at the data, the ethics behind it would be violated. It is like finding someone’s money they dropped, you could take it but you know the right thing to do is give it back. It is a matter of is Jennifer wants to put her company first, or her morals. 2. The resolution chosen would affect both Bananas!, and their competitors. Bananas! would be able to gain a big advantage in the industry...
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...Business Ethics Term Paper Women in Power Women are not making it to the top of any profession anywhere in the world. The percentage of women in corporate governance remains low in comparison to men. The evidence presents itself through numbers. There are 190 heads of state, only nine are women. The percentage of women who are at positions such as chief executive officers, senior executives, and board members is significantly low in large, publicly-held companies. Women are not only underrepresented in the United States but all around the globe. Multiple surveys were conducted by the Pew Research Center concluding the general finding that “according to the majority of Americans, women are every bit as capable of being good political leaders as men and the same can be said about their ability to dominate the corporate boardroom.” Yet, 43 percent of women are held to higher standards in regards to top executive business positions and 38% of women in regards to high political offices. What causes the absence of women leaders in corporate governance? Do the causes follow ethical guidelines? Looking at the Pew Research Center survey, a major reason that more women are not in top executive business positions is because they are healed to higher standards than men and many businesses are not ready to hire women for top executive positions. A minor reason is that family responsibilities get in the way of women committing time to run a major corporation, women do...
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...Similarities Differences of Ethic Carolyn Anderson ETH/316 June 24, 2014 Dr. Nancy Kennedy This paper basic on the elements of how ethic can be somewhat value of one’s life, and how a person can react on how a person feels about laws, one owns opinions of how one life should be guided, and this ethic shows how to keep the responsibility terms, standard of actions in one’s life. The main point of the three theories knows what each of the three mean and how they react to each other such as the skills of each virtue in a general decisions, which formats on amoral laws that ones can focus on the main viewpoints of a day to day basic life. Similarities The similarities difference of the three ethics such as virtue theory, deontological ethic, and Utilitarianisms is that these ethics have facts, which format a wide value of responsibility. The main part of these ethics is that they have concepts, which basic on action, terms, and standards. Differences The differences among the theories is that one of them shows how the government has ways of showing the world how moral laws should be addressed, one ethic show a person how to interact with one’s self emotions, and the other one shows the world how different options of value have certain decisions of one’s opinions. A description of the differences of the three ethics According to BBC Ethic guide “Virtue...
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...Susan Gunn’s Samples for Module 1 Case Assignment of ETH501 The following sample from student papers is meant to establish some guidelines on how to approach your essays. The first sample shows an excellent introduction to the first case. The student author provides his/her own approach and allows the reader to know what is going to be discussed. The second example simply uses a long quotation that is not properly formatted. It does not lead the reader into the critical ethical analysis that is required. The third and forth examples show a part of the critical ethical analysis. Remember, if you have any questions, please ask. An excellent source for finding your own voice in academic writing is: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/academic/4bi.html. This cite has good examples with explanations. Sample 1: You do not have to discuss that it is a paper. You do have to tell the reader what you will be discussing. Note also that there is a Heading. Introduction The purpose of this assignment is provide a critical analysis of the 2002 collapse of the WorldCom telecommunications empire as seen through the lens of deontological ethics. This analysis will be accomplished by defining deontological ethics and the Categorical Imperative (CI); by generally establishing what ethical problems were inherent in the WorldCom case; by evaluating the WorldCom model according to a deontological ethics; and finally by using Immanuel Kant’s construct of the CI to assess the WorldCom scenario...
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