...Ethics Essay Constance Punch ETH/316 June 23, 2014 Greg Ouellette Ethics Essay Ethics is the science of right and wrong in human action.” (Manias, 2013, Chapter 1, Ethics Applied). With the reading, we can find the similarities and differences between the three major approaches in normative ethics; virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This will be done by analyzing these ethical theories and by describing them along with presenting the facts on how each theory relates too ethics and morality. Personal experience will be used to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. We have all been faced with the circumstances that have pushed our moral boundaries. Virtue ethics refers more specifically to one character embodying for determining or evaluating ethical behavior. In other words virtue ethics emphasizes one moral character. According to Manias (2013), virtue ethics is considered at times an agent-based or character ethics. The viewpoint in your daily life is that you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. For example, finding a wallet with money in it, and returning it to the rightful owner is an act of virtue. As a mom, a proud moment was the day my daughter found a wallet in a buggy and ran to turn it in before the person had a chance to leave and it be stolen. She earned a $5.00 reward for it and she smiled for weeks. As we mature we...
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...characteristics of virtue ethics are a force that drives ethical behavior, instead of rules or deontology. Normative ethical philosophies are a collection of virtue ethics that stresses being rather than doing. Virtue ethics are focused on the characteristics of morals not rules and consequences. Virtue ethics and deontology are different in the way that moral dilemmas are approached and solved (Virtue Ethics, n.d.). Telling lies is wrong even if the results are good according to deontologists. A virtue ethicist is someone who focuses on the decision to lie more than on the lie told in the first place. While virtue ethics are considered self-centered and they should not be used to guide our actions. These ethics will encourage people to get rid of bad habits and help develop new character traits. A virtue ethicist will in any instance worry less about the lie and think about the decision to lie or not, tells about someone’s character and morals. Lying could be based on a case by case situation, based on personal benefit, intentions and a group benefits from it (Virtue Ethic, n.d.). Following rules would be considered the use of deontology or duty ethics. Deontology approaches the ethics that judges morality based on how you adhere to a rule or rules (Davidson College, 2002). These rules are considered to be a point of contention and criticism in deontological ethics. All actions are judged on how they adhere to or lack, to an objective moral code of ethics. A deontologist will...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay Chiana Beard ETH/316 October 8, 2012 Richard Sorrentino Week 1 Ethics Essay Ethics is the basis of many theories and debates. It is the basis of deterring what is right and wrong based on one’s beliefs. Topics about ethics often bring about in-depth discussions about individual characteristics concerning virtues, values, and moral concepts. The Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics are theories that involve those aspects of ethics. These theories have commonalities; however, there are differences in the theories as well. The Virtue theory often refers to character or ethics. The word “virtue” comes from the Greek word for excellence. This theory suggests one should strive for excellence or perfection. There is a strong correlation between this theory and the U.S. Army motto, “Be All That You Can Be.” Nike’s “Just Do It” also suggests one should push themselves to the limit and strive for perfection. In addition to striving for excellence, one bases the quantity of character on the length of time that one continually achieves that excellence. If one is constantly striving to be good, but slips, have they lost all character and no longer hasethics? The virtue theory suggests it is a collection of actions that develops into who a person becomes over time (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is a group-based theory that suggests one will do what is morally right for the greater good of the team or group involved. It...
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...Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 30, 2014 Ethics Essay Comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics is what will be discussed in this essay. Also, explaining a personal experience in how the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories will be discussed. What are ethical theories? “Ethical theories deal with the question of how human beings ought to behave in relation to one another. In the broadest sense, they define what qualifies as right and wrong, as well as how to promote human flourishing (Dontigney, 2014).” The comparison between the three ethical theories are that each theory promotes the decision to choose what is right or wrong in particular situation. Whereas, the differences are the types of a situation a person is dealing with. Each of the theories describes a different situation on how one deals with their choice of right and wrong. The definitions of each ethical theory is as follows. First, virtue is a theory that it looks at ones individual character, rather than his or her actions. For example, if a student cheats on an assignment, the virtue theory looks at the students past personality traits to help determine if he or she is guilty (Hamilton, 2014). Second, deontological is a theory that looks at the consequences of one actions toward life choices and how those action relate to responsibility and obligation. For example,...
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...Ethics Essay Lejon Starks ETH-316 April 28, 2013 Linda Emmele Ethics Essay The three theories of virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological are tied together by a few common threads. Humans are each of these in certain situations. Some people live their lives by one theory over the other two. Culture and upbringing are the cornerstones for how a person reacts to each of these theories. My father preferred the utilitarianism theory primarily, I looked up to him in so many ways and I tend to think that he passed on his beliefs to me. Virtue Theory Virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent-based or character ethics. It takes the viewpoint that in living your life you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. These excellences or virtues are both moral and immoral (Boylan, M. 2009). The Divine command theory is a very old theory of why we should be moral because God commands us to do so. An early form of this theory occurs in the book of Genesis in the Torah. Adam and Eve were commanded not to eat of the Tree of Knowledge. It was a command pure and simple (Boylan, M. 2009). Living life by virtue is the right thing to do. As Christians, we are charged with living a purified life through God. The Bible is our guidebook, it states clearly how we are supposed to live our lives. Our free will is our choice, but our choices whether good or bad has consequences. God commands excellence in how we conduct...
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...Ethics Essay ETH/316 July 2, 2012 Ted Haas Theories will usually be used to help understand different beliefs; people are more likely to believe bits and pieces of different beliefs instead of the whole idea behind the theory. Theories are mostly used to help a person understand better about certain characters and to assist in figuring out exactly who they are and where they are going in life. There are similarities and differences when it comes to virtue theory, the utilitarianism theory and the deontological theory. Because these theories address ethics and morality differently it is a bit of a challenge to make a decision on which one you want to go with. Virtue ethics theory addresses ethics by making it a challenge to decide whether or not to judge a person by their character or their actions. Virtue ethics theory stand on the position that “we become good when we cultivate excellence (virtue) by pursuing the moderate course between excess and defect” (Boylan, 2009). If we were to act ethically we would judge the person by their actions because they have consequences, however if we were to act on morals we would judge people by their character because it shows how a person was brought up. This theory is sometimes a problem because a person will continually battle between the ethics and morals to decide which one is more important. The utilitarianism theory “suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces...
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...Week One: Ethics Essay Prestine Crosby ETH/316 January 20, 2014 Kevin Forsberg Ethics Essay Virtue theory takes the viewpoint that in living your life you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do (Boylan, 2009). They are based on living a good life that and being a good person; that can be based upon lifestyles, accomplishments, education and the type of job you have. This theory you have to establish an ethical and moral code or yourself that will enable you to do what is right. Utilitarianism a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternatives (Boylan, 2009). Also refers to a person is truly focused on being happy this can be achieved by trying to avoid negative people and situations. This theory can cause a compromise of both morals and ethics depending upon the situation. Deontological is a moral theory that emphasizes one’s duty to do a particular action just because the action, itself, is inherently right and not through any other sorts of calculation (Boylan, 2009). This is basically doing what is best for you without taking into consideration for anyone else. I feel that with this theory ethics and morals are completely out of place. In our discussion questions you touched on a subject that really brought back sad memories. Almost two years ago I had a family member...
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...Ethics Essay Patti Lever ETH/316 August 6, 2012 Kevin Barker Ethics Essay Looking at today’s society, ethics plays a major role in it. Also, comes the devotion to certain ethical and moral principles which have an optimistic growth in an individual’s moral nature. Then the detailed living experiences which support or help with the assured individual’s in order to bring out the growth or their ideals or principles. This essay is going to show the comparisons and dissimilarities between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will also show the details of how each of these theories influence both ethics and morality, along with giving examples of a special event from a virtue theory as it relates to both values and moral concepts. The virtue theory is based on character, intentions, and the morals of an individual ( Trevino & Nelson, 2007). It is said that this principled presumption is more concerned with the morals of the person rather than actually dealing with the consequences that might happen. In addition, one’s personality can be based on how good or disrespectful they are or maybe even both. Persona and character is something you are not born with, still you can achieve this throughout your life with numerous assorted living capabilities or ethical principles. The utilitarianism theory is centered on the top way of dealing with the consequences of a person. Utilitarian’s are not going to look at the differences in a selected act that is concerned...
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...Ethics Essay Sharon Batts ETH/316 February 10, 2014 Professor Heller Ethics Essay Ethical growth is an important instrument needed in today’s society. Virtue, deontological, and utilitarianism theories have similarities and differences. Each theory relates to morals and ethics in precise ways, just as virtue, values, and morality have a precise relationship with one another. Virtue theory relates to ethics by identifying the character of a person as honorable, dependable, loyal, honest, or as untrustworthy, deceiving, careless, or self-serving. Basically a person is described as “good” or “bad”, or a mixture of both. People develop character throughout life as a mirror image of his or her morals. Virtue ethics define a person’s character more so than his or her actions. The downside of this theory is that it does not make allowance for good people who make bad mistake (Garrett, 2005). A teenager may give into peer pressure to steal a car. The teen may have high morals and ethics, but made a foolish decision. Virtue theory defines the teen as a bad person rather than as a good person who did a bad act. The next ethical theory, utilitarianism, focuses on determining the choice for the actions and the choice made depends on the course of action that has the best consequences for that person. The actions of a person are believed to be morally correct or incorrect based only on the outcome of the actions. Therefore, if the result is good, the action is morally right. On...
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...Ethics Essay Melody Lewis ETH/316 June 10, 2012 Bob Hughes Ethics Essay The three ethics that will be compared are virtue theory, deontological, and utilitarianism. These three ethics will compare the differences and similarities. Also while talking about how the theories address morality and ethics. Ethics is defined as a study of standards of conduct and moral judgments. Ethics is also known as the system of morals of a particular group, religion, and so on. (Webster Dictionary) Utilitarianism is believed that the reason of all activity should convey the upmost happiness of the highest figure. Utilitarianism recommends an action is morally right when actions produce greater utility for a group than any alternative. (Boylan, 2009) Virtue ethics is defined as a specific moral quality regarded as good, excellence in general, chastity, and a good quality. (Webster Dictionary) Virtue ethics is sometimes referred to as character or agent-based. This can be taken as to live life to develop or grow to perfection in everything a person does and in that others do. (Boylan, 2009) An example of this would be a friend calls and wants to come over. I do not feel like company so I lie and say I am not feeling well. This would decide what type of moral behavior and what type of character I have. Virtue ethics would decide by each situation. Deontological ethics decides the morals of a motion established from the motions hold to the guidelines. The deontological...
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...Ethics Essay Ron ETH/316 August 23, 2012 Ethics Essay Ethics can be defined as right and wrong for some people but ethics goes beyond that definition. Ethics reflects a person morals, values, and beliefs. All of your ethical decisions can define you as an individual in some type of way. This paper will reflect the similarities and differences of virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics. Virtue theory reflects a person who is pursing excellence in life, looking to be the good person. Utilitarianism is when someone is looking to satisfy other more than themselves with morality rights. Deontological ethics is based off moral facts that result from human actions. The similarities between the three theories are that they all reflect the good in people and how people strive for excellence and to justify the good for other people. The difference in the three theories is virtue theory focus on striving for excellence but that can sometimes become challenging when making life decisions. Utilitarianism focus on morality rights for a group which is balancing the good over the bad. This also explains the saying” The greatest good for the greatest number” (Boylan,2009). Deontological ethics reflects human action which is a person dedication to moral duties. All of three of theories has their own point of view but most important it teaches the right way of human morals. As a parent, wife, student and employee ethics plays an important role in my everyday life. Virtue...
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...Ethics Essay ETH/316 February 20, 2014 Ethics Essay Ethics is a study of an individual action. Ethics refers to standards right and wrong in human life. Ethics also prescribe what humans should do; in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues. There are many types of ethics. Ethical development is an important tool in society today and is the basis of defining, an entire culture. In this paper, I will discuss the differences between utilitarianism, virtue theory, and deontological ethics. Through further insight of these similarities and differences one can begin to comprehend the importance ethics and social responsibility plays in personal and business success. 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. The similarities between each ethics can make them seem made as one. For example, morals define who we are as individuals more specifically our characters and ethics express the social system as it relates to work environment. “According to Boylan (2009), virtue theory has a definition of cultivating excellence in life and constituting an aspect of the good person” (Boylan, 2009). “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). Deontological ethics...
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...ETH/ 316 Ethics Essay Cha Xiong March 12, 2013 Ethics Essay Ethics played a very important role in our lives. While we were growing up, we have been taught on what is right and what is wrong. People from different parts of the world practice different cultures, religions, beliefs, and ethics. Everyone believes that his or her ethical practice is the only one that existed and others should follow. Most of the people still do not know what to belief and who to follow. Throughout this paper, I will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. These similarities and differences will include a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. They will also include a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtues, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three ethical theories above. Description of Similarities and Differences To discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, I will start with each ethical theory. The similarities between these three theories represent the good in people, how they strive for excellence, and how they justify good. The differences in these three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory is not the same as the other two normative theories, utilitarianism and deontology ethics. This theory focuses more on an individual and his or her...
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...Ethics Essay Steven L. McClain ETH/316 April 14, 2014 Aaron Rawls Ethics Essay Ethics has many definitions that are similar, so I decided to choose what I thought would fit it best. According to "Business Dictionary.com" (2014), "The basic concepts and fundamental principles of decent human conduct. It includes study of universal values such as the essential equality of all men and women, human or natural rights, obedience to the law of land, concern for health and safety and, increasingly, also for the natural environment” (para. 1). This definition sums up ethics well for me, but I believe that morals have great influence on ethics and thus I feel a definition of morals is needed. Bernard (2002), "Morality (from the Latin moralities "manner, character, proper behavior") is the differentiation of intentions, decisions, and actions between those that are "good" (or right) and those that are "bad" (or wrong)” (para. 1). So now we have the informalities out of the way, we can get to what we really want to talk about, which is the difference between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Rainbow (2002), "The virtue ethical theory judges a person by his character rather than by an action that may deviate from his normal behavior. It takes the person's morals, reputation and motivation into account when rating an unusual and irregular behavior that is considered unethical” (Virtue). Basically this definition states that someone’s past is used as a criteria...
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...Ethics Essay Ethics and morality are as important as ever in today’s business world. With so many companies using unethical means to make millions of dollars swindling others, it is definitely time to refocus on what we believe in and follow sound ethical and moral traditions. It does not matter if a person uses the virtue, deontological, or consequential approach to ethics as long as he or she is thinking about doing the right thing. The deontological theory focuses on a person’s duty to an ethical situation. A person that prescribes to the deontological theory does not care about what would benefit the greatest number of shareholder, only that which is honorable, fair, and loyal, respect, compassion, right, and the responsible thing to do. While this might seem old fashioned in today’s world of fast paced, do what feels right, care for only yourself world we live in now however, this was the only way to live in the past. This was back in the day when your word and a handshake were better than any ironclad contract today. The textbook gives an example of a doctor submitting a patients name for a drug trial when the parameters of the drug trail is clearly spelled out and the patient does not qualify for the drug testing (L.K. & Nelson, 2011). He or she may think he or she is morally justified in submitting the name because it will help his patient, however, he will also be dishonest because he or she would have to falsify documents so the patient will be included in the...
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