...Individual Ethics Essay ETH/316: Ethics and Social Responsibility University of Phoenix Theories are formed to display different beliefs, most of the time people agree with a portion of different beliefs rather than the entire concept. Theories are often used to put characters into perspective or to help people figure out who they are and where they belong. The virtue theory, the utilitarianism theory and deontological theory have similarity and differences. These theories also address ethics and morality differently, which makes it more of a challenge to decide which one to go with. Virtue ethics theory stands on the position that “we become good when we cultivate excellence (virtue) by pursuing the moderate course between excess and defect” (Boylan, 2009). This theory address ethics by challenging whether of not we judge a person by their actions rather than their character. Ethically people are judged by their actions because there are consequences for those actions. Morally people are judged by their character because it shows the base on which a person is formed. The problem with this theory is a person’s ethics will constantly fight with his/her morals trying to decide what is more important. Utilitarianism theory “suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group as a consequence than any other alternative does” (Boylan, 2009). Morals teach us to put ourselves last because sacrifice is...
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...Week 1: Ethics Essay ETH/316 Ethics Ethics are the ways in which we react to an experience or situation. Ethics are instilled within individuals and spill over to the workplace. There are various types and theories on ethics such as the virtue theory, the utilitarianism theory, and the deontological theory. There are similarities as well as differences for each theory. The virtue theory focuses on the character of the individual. It highlights the idea of how a person can be “good” and what it takes for a person to be considered “good”. This theory originated with the Greeks as they thought in order to be praiseworthy one had to develop certain habits and characteristics. (Boylan, M.,2009) Virtue Ethics takes the viewpoint that individuals should always strive for excellence. The problem with virtue ethics is that it relies on common opinion, meaning that one individual is able to judge whether or not another is being “good” or achieving excellence, but what makes that person the judge of all judges? When looking at virtue ethics an individual would strive for excellence, however what would make that person great? Virtue ethics would do really well in a society where everyone is expected to achieve the same goals or behave the same way; on the other hand in a society where self-expression and individual choices are respected and praised virtue ethics would have difficulty taking shape. The utilitarianism ethical theory differs from virtue...
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...Ethics Essay Franklin G. Hisole ETH / 316 April 20, 2015 Robert Gennette Ethics and Morality Moral and ethics defines the nature of our society and culture today. They are both complimentary in nature but different in some ways. Moral determines person’s character when an individual interacts in social and personal relationship and Ethics are the philosophical study of morality or moral standards. Utilitarian theory, Virtue ethics, and Deontological are some of the examples of major ethical theories that covered in this essay. Collaboration on personal experiences added as well by explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts. Virtue Ethics The virtue theory approach centered on a belief that a person is responsible for their ethical choices and decision. The central feature of virtue ethics is the focus on decision’s outcome, as supposed to following and setting up specific rules for every scenario. One is responsible for making the best possible choice that morally coincides with his or her beliefs whether it’s breaking the law. One example commonly accepted in the community is the “Robin Hood” method. A person will steal food, money or essential things just to support or give it away to people in need. The act clearly violates the law and may seem like an immoral or unethical act to some people, but that individual believes that an act was virtuous since he helps poor people by providing their needs. The...
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...Ethics Essay ETH/316 – Ethics and Social Responsibility Introduction Everyday our lives are enriched in ethics as it relates to thought provoking ideologies such as similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological studies. Through ethics we share experiences, formulate beliefs, exchange ideas, transmit knowledge, and sustain culture. One must identify with the significance of ethics in order to understand it. Our main beliefs pertaining to ethics usually are pleasant. Common simple ethical terms such as “by virtue” or “useful” help us to develop new senses when we continuously express them within our personal beliefs. Concrete ethics vividly helps us to bring things to life. Based on my research, in a few words I will attempt to explain how ethics connect to show varied ideas, philosophical viewpoints (i.e., Article – “Ethics in Society”), endless possibilities, and how ethics play an important role in our everyday life. Descriptive Differences Utilitarianism has the great virtue of selecting reason as the means of achieving its objectives. It acknowledges that we can rationally determine moral truths. It's primary standard is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Each person and thing such as an animal has the same value according to a utilitarian thought process. To function effectively, to make the right choices, we need not only the right emotional guidance, but also the conscious knowledge...
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...Ethics Essay Rukiya Parsons Ethics and Social Responsibility / 316 09/03/2015 Larhonda Jones Ethics Essay Ethics is defined as the study of moral philosophy that involves systematizing, defending and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct as it pertains to habit or custom. The ethical theory focuses on the actions or character of an individual in relation to an ethical situation or issue. When I think of ethics I automatically am drawn to the conclusion of something being considered right or wrong based on cultural rules, while on the other hand when judging the morality of a situation I will almost always base my decision on personal values of what I consider to be just. This paper will compare the similarities and differences of ethical theories as it relates to ethics and morality. Consequential Theories “Consequential theories base morality on the results or outcomes of behaviors. Actions with good consequences are morally right; actions with bad consequences are morally wrong.” (Nicholas Manias, 2013, Ethics Applied, p.113) Utilitarianism An ethical theory that is almost self-explanatory, concluding that the best moral action results in optimal use or “utility” in an individual producing more good in a situation than bad for great numbers. As stated in the reading, happiness vs. unhappiness and the outcome of happiness proves to be morally ethical. Non-consequential Theories “Non-consequential theories base morality on factors other than...
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...Ethics Essay Shannon Williams ETH/316 November 25, 2013 Jeremy Gephart Your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behavior does. This is a saying that I have been taught as a child. While reading this essay it will discuss the similarities and differences of virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology, theory as it relates to ethics and morals. Also how a personal experience that explains the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to one of the theories. Ethics and morality play a major role in day to day situations; they dictate how to respond in an acceptable manner. Similarities and Differences Virtue Ethics deals with what is right or wrong. It is a character-based ethic that views ones action over a period and not for a single action. Utilitarianism theory implies that an action is morally right when it creates a worthy result for the greater good of the people. Deontology is a moral theory that emphasis on one’s duty to do the right thing or take an action, without thinking of the consequences. All three theories deal with how a person perceives, judges, and react to a situation. Each theory deals with demonstrating the good in a person; making the right or morally correct decision. Both Virtue Ethics and Deontology deal with what is ethically and morally right or wrong. Motivation is what causes a significant difference among the three theories. Virtue ethics emphasis trying to achieve excellence in...
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...University of Phoenix Ethics Essay Student Ethics 316 May 14, 2012 Week 1 Dr. No Teach 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...
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...Organizational Ethics Alisa King ETH/316 9/16/14 Professor Shannon Rivers Organizational Ethics Each and every organization that exist have or should have a code of ethics in which they follow. The ethics of an organization governs how they will reply to both an internal and external stimulus. Walmart is one of the largest organizations in the world, that’s why it was chosen for this essay. Furthermore, they deal with lots of external social pressures that influence their ethics. They have had more than their fair share of lawsuits because they was sued 4,851 times in the year 2000 alone Willing, R. (2001, August 13). Lawsuits a volume business at Wal-Mart. USA Today. Whenever an issue arises they always fall back on their code of ethics in order to figure out the best possible solution. These issues are relevant to organizational and personal decisions and it will be explained how later in this paper. The relationship between legal and ethical issues will also be covered. External Social Pressures Walmart is the world’s largest retailer and private sector employer. They employ over 2.2 million employees. With tons of money, locations, and power, they have been the target for thousands of law suits. As we all know, Walmart has replaced thousands of mom and pop businesses by carrying the same items at much lower prices. They not only made businesses shut down due to undercutting competitor prices but they also made lots of people lose...
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...Virtue theory is a thought in ethics that the individual is responsible for all ethical choices. It focuses on the outcome of a decision rather than setting rules for specific occasions. Each individual is responsible for making their own choices and predicting the outcome of that decision being made. Stealing is unethical but if a worker is stealing food from his job, which is a multi million-dollar corporation, is it really considered stealing? Maybe this person is stealing because he has to so he can feed his family. It mainly comes down to this person’s moral beliefs and his actions. The ethical standards serve as tools to ensure and not harm the public. The virtue theory shows a person who is sympathetic because of their character, not because they will gain something out of doing the right thing. Utilitarian ethics is lead by a universal rule that all decisions should be made to reduce distress and increase contentment for everyone. Ethical standards can then be achieved when embodied in our decisions and practice behavior by knowing, understanding, embracing value and internalizing those ethical values to guide our decisions every day. An example of utilitarian ethics is legalizing marijuana. Marijuana makes people happy, cures illness, and/or symptoms/side effects associated with terminal illness. Cannabis oil has even been used to cure seizures, cancer in placement of chemotherapy. In spite of government propaganda, the laws against marijuana persecute many harmless...
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...Ethics Game Dilemmas ETH/316 January 20, 2014 Ethics Game Dilemmas In the case of the mystery roses, the ethical issues were how do I protect the individuals involved and address the community’s needs. This meant that Gayle’s confidentiality had to be addressed, Bill had to be approached fairly, and everyone needed to understand the appropriate steps to take. According to Title VII, workplace harassment is a serious issue and must be addressed quickly and completely. With this case, the six stakeholders are Gayle and Bill as previously mentioned; in addition to Carol the VP of Human Resources, John McIntire the VP of the Research and Development team and Bills boss, the shareholders in the company and finally myself. With this many people comprising the community portion of our consideration, one wrong decision could have considerable consequences. In making decisions, I considered how I could manage Gayle’s confidentially and get the harassment to stop. By considering al of the stakeholders, I considered the consequences of a verity of scenarios, from confronting Bill directly to passing the problem off onto Carol and letting her address the scenario. When all was considered, I felt it best to advise Carol that I would do my best to keep her matter confidential, I may have to make some mention in the course of correcting her concerns, and point out that she could also take a look at her Employee Handbook for an idea what course of action that I would be taking...
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...ETHICS GAME DILEMMAS In selecting the Ethics Game Dilemmas simulation, two in-depth situations were presented that identified dilemmas in very different areas. Both situations dealt with ethical issues inside a business setting. Yet, each situation’s dilemma, while within a business setting, brought in two very different types of issues that are relatable in today’s business world. In the simulation titled “The Mysterious Blogger,” a company regulation stated that it was against the rules for an employee to release certain company information. It was found through a general search of the internet by the IT department that a blog contained information about the company. The information did not contain proprietary information about any of their products, but did raise an issue regarding the safety practices of the company. It was determined that this type of information could only come from an employee. A certain IT employee took it a step further and hacked into the home computer of the anonymous blogger. It was found that it was indeed an employee of the company that posted the information. After hacking into the personal computer of the employee, the IT employee sent an anonymous email to the Director that contained the name of the employee who posted the blog. The ethical issue in this situation was how to deal with the employee who put the company information regarding the safety practices of the company on the internet and how to deal with the IT employee who...
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...Ethics Essay Ethics is something that we as people deal with on a daily bases. People view ethics in their own way and have their own way of approaching everyday conflicts, which ethical and moral decisions need to be made. In this paper I will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will describe the differences on how each theory addresses ethics and morality. I will also add a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to one of the three theories. Virtue theory is basically is a form of ethics that uses a person's character as a way to determine ethical behavior. Virtue theory will base their ethical decision making on a case by case bases, which will factor in personal benefit, group benefit or overall intentions. For example a person finds $100.00 outside of a bank ATM and is faced with the decision to either walk into the bank and turn in the money for the owner to claim or keep the money for themselves. This person can make the decision to keep the money based on the fact that he is short on cash that week, it can help feed his family, and the money is going to be used to help with his financial situation. In this case the found money can be a benefit or the person can choose to turn in the money, which of the two is solely up to that person to decide to do. Utilitarianism ethics is another approach that basically influence ethical behavior...
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...Ethical Perspectives: The Ethics Game Many situations arise in the workplace that require employees (managers and subordinates) to sit down and think about the best solution. Sometimes solutions are unclear and what seems to be the most obvious answer, is not always the best choice. The Ethics Game simulation presented two different cases: the case of the mysterious rose and the case of the cold feet. Both cases bring the “manager” through different thought processes to make them understand the importance of analyzing the situation in different ways. In the case of the mysterious rose, the simulation presented the dilemma of a woman employee receiving flowers from another anonymous employee. I, as her director, know about this situation. The employee sends an e-mail asking for my confidence in a meeting. The problem that presents itself is how I should answer the employee’s request for confidentiality in a meeting. Since I know of the flowers and the possibility of harassment, I know that I cannot give her my word on 100% confidentiality. The simulation goes through a series of steps guiding the user to look at the situation from different ethical lenses. Both the rights and responsibilities lens and the results lens take the first step in identifying the primary stakeholders. The following steps differed for the two lenses. Although the steps I took through the two lenses were different, I actually came about the same decision in the end. End the end, I chose to tell Gayle...
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...Fundamentals of Macroeconomics ECO/372 Ethics Essay The Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Deontological concepts all have something in a common. Each one of these three concepts concentrates on an individual’s actions leading to various options, in addition to how the options affected others. The variations within each of these concepts are who engaged and was impacted by those options. The Virtue concept concentrates on an individual's character. One could stay in their lifestyle by seeking quality in everything they and others do (Boylan, 2009). The Utilitarianism concept considers that an activity, which is created to the advantage of a team, is fairly appropriate, if it delivers the biggest advantage to that team (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is frequently known through the motto, “The biggest excellent for the biggest variety (Boylan, 2009).” between the three theories, Deontology is the most different. This concept moves around ones choice to control. Deontologists create options depending on understanding that something is right without concern to the higher excellent of others (Boylan, 2009). Ethics and Morality Ethics and morality are often applied interchangeably, often the outcome in viewed in the terms such as excellent, bad, right, and incorrect (Trevino, 2007). Ethics has several techniques although the most typical is determined as the technology of correct and incorrect personal activities...
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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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