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Ethics Comparison Essay

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Submitted By mrblue1966
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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 between deontological and virtue theory is that deontological is based on moral duty and the obligation to do what is right and the consequences of the behaviors is not a consideration. (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013) However, while virtue theory also is based on doing what is right, doing the right things will have positive influences on a person’s well being. The utilitarianism

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