...Ethics Essay Sandra Faye ETH/316 March 6, 2012 Irma Flores-Brothers Ethics Essay Ethics is the science of right and wrong in human action.” (Boyle, 2009, Chapter 1, Living in a World of Values). The overall purpose of this paper is to compare the similarities and differences between the three major approaches in normative ethics; virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will do this by analyzing these ethical theories and by describing them along with presenting the facts on how each theory relates to ethics and morality. It will also include a personal experience 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 Boylan (2009), 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. (Chapter 11, It’s All About Your Character: Virtue Ethics). For example, finding a wallet with money in it, and returning it to the rightful owner is an act of virtue. One of my proudest moments growing up as a 15years old was...
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...Similarities and Differences in Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics This document will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. A persons ethical and social responsibility is very important to their personal and business success. Unfortunately, it is difficult to identify and classify what is ethical and moral. I will also provide a personal example of one of the ethical behavior. The first question you must ask yourself is what are the meaning of Virtue Theory, utilitarianism, and Deontological. According to the Webster Dictionary; Virtue- normally good behavior or character, a good moral quality, or the good result that comes from somerthing. Now what does that mean in laymens term, After reviewing the technical and professional expernatiation When talking about ethics it is hard to distinguish between ethics and morality. It is also hard to distinguish exactly what realm of ethics contributes to my everyday decisions. Ethics can be defined as “well-founded standards of right and wrong that prescribe what humans ought to do, usually in terms of rights, obligations, benefits to society, fairness, or specific virtues [and] ethics refers to the study and development of one's ethical standards” (Andre, Shanks, & Velasquez, 2010, para. 8-9). According to Psychology Today (2013) morality is, “ethics, evil, greed, sin, and conscience” (para. 1). “Morals can vary from person to person...
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...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 in the three...
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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 Anthony Gonzalez ETH/316 2/23/15 Arthur Murphy Introduction Utilitarianism, deontological, and virtue theory ethics are three normative approaches to ethics. This paper will go over the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics, morality, and it will also discuss a personal experience to describe the correlation between virtue, values, and moral perceptions as they relate to one of the three theories. Similarities and Differences Virtue theory emphasizes character traits rather than the rules or consequences while deontology is described as an action that is right only if it is in accordance with a moral rule or principle. Utilitarianism puts more emphasis on the consequences and that decisions should be made based on happiness for the greatest number of people. Virtue theory does not judge a person as good (or not) based upon one single action in their lives. Rather, it takes a look over time to judge ones character. Virtue theory also looks at past mistakes that are not normally in a person’s historical nature. For example, a virtuous person is someone who is kind across many situations over a lifetime because that is their character and not because they want to maximize utility or gain favors or simply do their duty ("Virtue," 2010).Utilitarianism usually relies on predicting the consequences of an action. Utilitarianism...
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...Ethics ETH/316 University of Phoenix December 1, 2011 Ethics Ethical development is an important tool needed in today’s society. In this paper, the topic will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In addition this papers topic will address how each theory addresses ethics and morality in relation to the authors’ personal experiences with virtue, values, and moral concepts. Similarities and Differences in Ethics Theories To understand the similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics the first order is to define the meaning of each. 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 have a definition as an analysis of reason, this analysis position decisions based for the morally justified good. The similarities between the three theories represent the good in people and how they strive for excellence and justified good. The differences in the three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory describes a person’s character, cultivating “excellence in all we do” (Boylan, 2009, p. 43). Striving for excellence can be challenging at times by...
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...Ethics Ethical development is an important tool needed in today’s society. In this paper, the topic will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In addition this papers topic will address how each theory addresses ethics and morality in relation to the authors’ personal experiences with virtue, values, and moral concepts. Similarities and Differences in Ethics Theories To understand the similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics the first order is to define the meaning of each. 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 have a definition as an analysis of reason, this analysis position decisions based for the morally justified good. The similarities between the three theories represent the good in people and how they strive for excellence and justified good. The differences in the three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory describes a person’s character, cultivating “excellence in all we do” (Boylan, 2009, p. 43). Striving for excellence can be challenging at times by deciding what is the most choice worthy decision in life. Utilitarianism...
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...Ethics Essay Richard Dunn II ETH/316 October 9, 2013 Jacquelin Donaldson Ethics Essay Virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics can be basically summed up as an honorable standard that a good person should live by. These theories have some differences but also have some similarities. This paper will examine the differences and similarities between the virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics. The differences between the theories would be the way people are judged. Virtue theory is based on a person’s character. It looks at the overall character of a person to see if that person is respectable, honorable and virtuous. Utilitarianism and deontological ethics does not overlook the character of a person but focuses more on a person’s actions. If a person’s action are of a good-natured manner and help everyone not just self that person can be considered a respectable, honorable and virtuous. The similarities between the theories is that they all setup a guideline that an honorable person can live amongst others. If a person has good character he/she is seen as virtuous under the virtue theory. If a person’s actions are virtuous and help others around him/her under utilitarianism deontological that person would then be considered as virtuous. In my life I believe that virtue, values and moral concepts are a combination off all three theories. I believe if a person has good character then that person’s actions are of a good nature. I believe that...
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...Ethics Essay Deontological, virtue theory and utilitarianism all have some similarities as well as their individual differences. In this essay I will explore the similarities and differences concerning deontological, virtue theory ethics and utilitarianism principles. The information that will be included will show the different changes and the concept of details between morality and ethics. Deontology 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 calculations—such as the consequences of the action. (Boylan, 2009). Deontological ethics operates on the premises of is the action morally justifiably. This can sometimes confuse the fact that the action may come with certain consequences but continue because it is considered alright as long as no one is hurt in the process. Many religious people fell that no matter what the situation is no woman should every have an abortion. Despite all the arguments of rape, mental issues, or life threatening pregnancies the mother should still have the child. In many cases others say it is the woman’s right to choose despite what others may feel is ethically or morally incorrect from their personal views. 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. (Boylan, 2009). Virtue...
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...Understanding these similarities and differences provide one with a greater knowledge and appreciation of these concepts. The content of this paper will consider the differences and similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theories, and address how each theory address ethics and morality. In addition, I will reflect on my personal experience through which I will expound on the association between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific of the three theories. In order to fully comprehend virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, one must begin with a descriptive knowledge of each ethical theory. Virtue theory accepts that a person will seek excellence and encourage others to seek it as well. The teachings of Greek philosopher Aristotle suggest that virtue implicates effective moral character and promotes sound judgment in resolving moral issues (Boylan, 2009). Human beings are social creatures; the application of moral ethics is located in the framework of a particular society. In a related manner, utilitarianism mandates that individuals behave in a way that is in morally appropriate for the benefit of many; maximizing overall contentment within a society. Boylan (2009) suggest that Utilitarianism ” 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” (Boylan, p 153). Deontological ethics imply that individuals...
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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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...Ethics and Social Responsibility ETH/316 Ethics and Social Responsibility In today’s society, cultural and ethical development is fundamental. There are numerous theoretical methodologies; although different each shares very similar concepts. Comprehending these similarities and differences provide one with greater understanding and gratefulness of these concepts. This paper will elaborate on the differences and similarities involving virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Also addressing how each theory deals with ethics and morality. In addition, I will reflect on my personal experience through which I will expound on the association between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific of the three theories. A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality is as followed. Virtue theory is different to the other two normative theories; utilitarianism and deontology (Weineck, 2007). Virtue theory centers more on the person, and their traits, as opposed to just observing an action that was carried out. Virtue ethics can be seen as an ethics of individual improvement. People can acquire virtues over time, and so in theory, mature into a respectable human. Utilitarianism 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 (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is holding to the views that the right actions will produce the...
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...Ethics Essay Ethics Essay Ethics is what directs a person or a group to make a decision on how something is accomplished. There are different ethical theories but the three focused on now are virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Between the three theories, there are similarities and differences. Three theories To describe the similarities and difference of between virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics, describing each theory will allow for a better understanding of each. Virtue theory can be understood as the morals a person as or moral character of the individual. Virtue focuses on right or wrong. An individual that lives within the virtue theory wants to help people be better individuals. Utilitarianism theory is based on consequences. An individual does not necessarily do what is morally right or wrong but makes the decision based entirely on the consequences of the action (Burgess-Jackson, K. 2003). Deontological is known as the duty-based ethics. In deontological ethics theory individuals do the right thing entirely because the action is the right thing to do. Similarities The three theories do have things in common. Each of the three theories has a focus on the good side of people. Individuals want to reach excellences and all three have a focus on consequences, some more than others. The different theories all have a morality consideration and uphold justice. A good outcome is what each theory is looking achieve...
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...Theories of Ethics and Social Responsibility Gina Leigh Moore University of Phoenix Instructor: Dr. Nancy Kennedy ETH/316 June 24, 2014 To gain a solid understanding of ethical and social responsibility, one should begin by comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Once one gains a better insight of the similarities and differences, one can begin to actually comprehend the important roles ethics and social responsibility play in one’s personal and professional success. This essay describes some of the similarities and differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. This essay also includes an example of a personal experience to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. To begin, some the differences and similarities of the three theories must be described. Virtue theory is identified as an ethical theory which is person based rather than action based. It emphasizes one’s virtues, or moral character. In contrast, deontology emphasizes one’s duties or rules and consequentialism emphasizes the consequences of one’s actions. However, this essay will only be discussing one form of consequentialism- utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is defined as the theory in which the right and wrong of an action is determined by its usefulness in bringing the most happiness to those affected by it. While the differences between the...
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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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