Ethics and Social Responsibility (ETH 316)
November 29, 2011
Sandra White

Virtue ethics describes the character of a moral agent as a driving force for ethical behavior, rather than rules (deontology). Virtue ethics is a collection of normative ethical philosophies that emphasizes on being than doing. Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral agent instead of the rules and consequences. The differences between virtue ethics, and deontology lies in the way moral dilemmas are approached and solved. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue_ethics) Deontologist says that telling lies are wrong even if gives good results. A Virtue ethicist concentrates less on the lie told and more on the decision to lie. Virtue ethics has been considered to be self centered and not to guide our actions properly. Virtue ethics encourages people to develop good character traits and break bad habits. A virtue ethicist, however, would focus less on lying in any particular instance and instead consider what a decision to tell a lie or not tell a lie said about one's character and moral behavior. As such, lying would be made in a case-by-case basis that would be based on factors such as personal benefit, group benefit, and intentions (as to whether they are benevolent or malevolent). (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtue_ethics)
Deontological or duty ethics emphasizes on following rules. Deontological is an approach to ethics that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules. (http://www.bio.davidson.edu/people/kabernd/indep/carainbow/Theories.htm)The rules to be followed are a point of contention and criticism in deontological ethics. Every action is judged by its adherence or lack thereof to an objective moral code. A deontologist might argue that lying is always wrong, regardless of any potential "good" that might come from lying.