...Utilitarianism and virtue ethics both direct an individual’s moral decisions, but neither theory is perfect. Whilst utilitarianism focuses more on the consequences of our actions, virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person. In this essay, I will elaborate more on the core concepts of both utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Then, I will introduce a scenario that will be used to compare the two ethical frameworks side by side based on their suggestions. Finally, I will argue that between virtue ethics and utilitarianism in this scenario, even though they do not provide a morally perfect answer, utilitarianism has a more morally preferable answer than virtue ethics. Utilitarianism, also called by John Stuart Mill the “Greatest Happiness Principle” (Mill, p.77), states that “actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the opposite of happiness” (Mill, p.77). According to this principle, the actions that provide the greatest amount of happiness overall are morally the right actions to take, no matter what the said action actually is, because happiness is “pleasure and the absence of pain” (Woody Lecture Notes, Nov.5). This is known as maximizing total net utility, utility meaning “a measure of whatever one takes to be intrinsically good or...
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...1. Analyze Kate’s decision from a virtue ethics perspective. The virtue ethics theory focuses on the motivation aspect of the decision making process. In this theory Kate’s motives are good; she doesn’t want her child to suffer from the same abuse that she has experienced in a foster home. She doesn’t have the support from family or the child’s father to help raise the child. If Kate were to be persuaded to not abort the baby she would not be doing it because she wanted to and that would make the action wrong according to the virtues theory. In this decision Kate has accomplished the golden mean by having the right amount of courage and caring enough about the infant’s quality of life. 2. Analyze Kate’s decision from a Kantian perspective....
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...Ethics Essay Ethics, according to dictionary.com, is the branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions. Or as the textbook states, ethics is the science concerning the “right and wrong” of human action. This paper will be discussing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. There will be a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. It will contain a personal experience to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. The three main views of the normative ethics theory is virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. Virtue ethics focuses on the virtues, or moral character, while deontological focuses on duties and rules, and utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of ones actions. Virtue ethics is called agent based or character ethics, as well. According to the textbook, when using the virtue ethics approach, one should take the viewpoint that in living their life they should try to cultivate excellence in all that they do (Boylan, 2009). Virtue ethics suggests that people should develop their character so that they will lead a good life. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism. This means that the moral worth of an action is determined...
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...Ethics Ethics Essay Eric Stalorites ETH/316 June 16, 2012 Carolyn Geiser Ethics Essay Ethics and moral perspectives are integral to how our society works in both personal life and the business world. This essay discusses and describes the three basic ethics theories: virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The similarities will also be discussed, including a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as related to one of the three theories. The core meaning found in virtue theory focuses on character, or excellence. Virtue in the classical Greek (its origin in this tradition) refers to “excellence” (Boylan, 2009). According to this theory we watch their actions in the midst of either a moral or non-moral circumstance to evaluate the response. Furthermore, this evaluation of character is contemplated during the course of a longer, extended period of time. Virtue theory focuses on the individual’s ethics and morality. Utilitarianism focuses on the group or collective in a community or organization. Specifically, the focus is on actions that are in the best interest of the group. A common phrase summing this up often recited is, “The greatest good for the greatest number” (Boylan, 2009). This theory focuses on what outcome is ethically and morally right for the group as an entity. Deontological ethics theory, in contrast, places its focus on the action entirely without regard to the...
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...Ethics Essay Marlina Ralstin ETH/316 December 3, 2012 Denise Antoon Ethics Essay The subject of ethics can be quite controversial, especially when the three major theories are vying for front-line attention. Understanding why people react to specific situations the way they do is beneficial from any stand point in life whether profession or personal. In the following paragraphs ethics will be defined, as will the three theories; virtue, deontology, and utilitarian. The similarities and differences of these three theories will be discussed, as will the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. Lastly, utilization of a personal experience will be used to explain the relationship between virtue, value, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories; deontology, utilitarian, and virtue ethics. Ethics according to the text, Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action is defined as the science of the right and wrong in human actions. The study of human actions has intrigued many scientists over the ages hence the different disciplines of ethics (i.e. deontological, utilitarian, and virtue ethics). The text provides the following definitions: Deontology is a theory that emphasizes one’s duty to do a particular action simply because the action itself is inherently right and not because of any calculations of consequences. Deontology operates on the principle of right, regardless of harm or if to do less than right would be of greater benefit...
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...Ethics Essay Stacey L Williams ETH/316 May 16th, 2013 Harry Herman Ethics Essay According to Boylan (2009) “Ethics is the activity that addresses the “right and wrong” of human action”. Throughout continuous research this was the most precise definition that I came upon. When you are in a difficult situation that can possibly result in a conflict, you are then considered to be in an ethical position. From childhood to adulthood we learn the differences between right and wrong, then realize how the decisions that we make can later on impact us. During research I determined the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, and how each theory addresses ethics and morality. The theory of virtue addresses how an individual can achieve excellence morally and non-morally. You can achieve goodness in many ways, physically or non-physically. Utilitarianism is a theory that more focuses on doing things that are morally correct in where it will benefit a group of people than just you. Deontology is a moral theory that is based on principle. Whether it will produce consequences or not, it is done because it is inherently correct. Weineck (2007), “Virtue theory is different to the other two normative theories; utilitarianism and deontology. It focuses more on the individual, and their characteristics, as opposed to just looking at an action that has been carried out. Virtue ethics talks about 'how we should be,' and what virtues...
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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...
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...Ethics Essay Jermaine Ford ETH/316 June 12, 2016 Dr. Stephanie Hancock Ethics Essay Everyday people deal with difficult situations. For years Ethical theories have been the main point in creating solutions to these problems. Ethical theory has to do with how people react to situations as well as how they react in with dealing with others. The main idea of this paper will be to compare and contrast the similarities and differences between deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue theory. A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality as well as a personal experience to explain the relationship between moral concepts, values, and virtue will included as well (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013). The virtue theory deals with character traits as the most important part. Moral character is most emphasized element in ethical thinking. This is placed above ones actions in order to bring good consequences to the situation. Virtue theory also has to do with integrity to the highest order over the behavior and decisions (“Ethical Theories Compared”, 2001). Virtuous people are kind above all else. They are kind because of their character and do not concern themselves with receiving favors or thinking about how the situation can benefit them. Theories of virtue do not identify characteristics principles that can use in any moral situation (“Ethical Theories Compared”, 2001). Morality has to do with your actions when other people are directly...
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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 In this essay I will compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will also include the following in this essay a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality, and a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories Utilitarianism is a moral theory that argues that an action is right if and only if it conforms to the principle of utility. The theory accepts as true that there was a need for society to rely on reason rather than metaphysics. The central tenet of utilitarianism is what is called the “Greatest Happiness Principle’. Because the human beings are rational self-interested creatures, they seek to maximize their pleasure and minimize their pain. Deontologists hold that right actions are defined by duty. Once we know what it is that we are duty bound to do morally, then we can carry out this ‘natural’ right action regardless of the consequences. What matters, they argue, is that we do what is right what is right, and what is right is that which conforms to moral law. The Virtue Theory concept is for human beings to live well. The end or final cause of human existence is eudaimonia. Eudaimonia is most commonly translated as ‘happiness’, but a more accurate translation is ‘flourishing’. Part of being human is to live a fulfilled life. A eudaimon life is a life that...
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...Ethics Essay Angela Jones ETH/316 June 4, 2012 Michelle Kuamoo Ethics Essay Ethics Essay Virtue ethics theory judges an individual by his or her character. Utilitarianism emphasizes an individual’s actions are morally right when the actions benefit the most people. Deontology states it is an individual’s duty to do an action just because the act itself is the right thing to do (Boylan, 2009). This paper will address differences and similarities among the virtue ethics theory, deontology, and utilitarianism. Virtue ethics theory does not emphasize an individual’s duty to perform any certain act as this theory looks more at the individual’s character. The value of the action is what determines the value of the individual’s trait. However, this theory does take into consideration an individual’s reputation and looks at the bigger picture and not judge an individual on one mistake. Utilitarianism determines the moral worth of an individual by the outcome of the action. Deontology focuses more on the right and wrong of the action and not the consequence of the action. When looking at the similarities each theory does have a goal of causing less harm and support actions that benefit others. These theories are guidelines that guide individuals to making ethical decisions. The differences in these theories is utilitarianism support statements like the end does justify the means as this theory looks at an action benefiting the most individuals as the right action...
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...Ethics Essay Nataliya Vujicic ETH/316 Dr. Stephanie Hancock 08/11/13 Ethics Essay The similarities and differences between the virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontology ethics all fall in judging aspects of regulation, revised in how someone judges. These aspects are the foundations of ethical consideration in the key points from what teaching can be made and a result to the decision. All theories underline the importance of reaching to an ethically correct judgment. The difference between them is some seem more exciting to debate than they really are, and they all have good and bad in them. Ethics and mortality is the defense of the theory of what is right, or what might be best for the situation in place of time or future. Virtue ethical theory is the characteristic that judges the individual by his personality and not by his actions. According to our text it expresses if the person has good or bad character (Boylan, 2009). The trait can be good or bad and are developed all though out life based on the moral values that person might have. Virtue theory can miss the change in a moral character until knowing a large amount of evidence against that individual. It all comes down to having common sense of well-being. Utilitarianism in ethics is the method that is particularly longing an act with the top consequences. According to Persons “the right act is simply the act that produces the greatest balance of pleasure over suffering” (Pearson’s, 2010). The focus is...
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...Ethics Essay John Doe ETH316 March 17, 2014 Cherie Barnes Ethics Essay Throughout history large diverse groups of people have lived together in communities of many types. All have made assumptions about who, what, and why we value what we value and what is important in each individual person’s lives. A big part of these assumptions are how each individual feels about what is right and what is wrong, as well as what actions are legal. These assumptions are grounded in ethics but what is ethics? According to Boylan (2009), in chapter one: Some view ethics as all about intuiting what is true from some other realm. Others think that it is a conventional linguistic/cultural exercise at descriptivism. Still others…believe that it is about realistic assessments about the world that inform upon the grounding of normativity. Thus, for this author, ethics is the science concerning the “right and wrong” of human action. Philosophers throughout time have studied these assumptions and came up with many theories. Three of the most popular are: Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics. This essay will compare the similarities and differences between the three. Virtue theory is also called character ethics. Many people use the Boy Scout law as an example of virtue theory. A Boy Scout is Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous; Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent. Virtue Ethics takes the viewpoint that all humans should...
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...Similarities and Differences Between Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics In: Philosophy and Psychology Similarities and Differences Between Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics Similarities and Differences Between Virtue Theory According to Boylan (2009), “ethics is the science concerning the right and wrong of human behavior.” It is a method that allows us to organize our values and go after them. It helps us answer questions like: do I seek my own happiness, or do I sacrifice myself for a greater cause? According to "Ethics - Definition And More From The Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary" (2012), ethics is “the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.” Because we are beings living together in society, we all go through tough moral decisions like a father deciding whether his son’s end-of-the-year school concert is more important than his business meeting, or accepting gifts from vendors when a contract bid is under evaluation. Moral decisions require moral reasoning and deliberation, which takes place within certain perspectives three of which are virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontologism. Virtue ethics focuses on how to be; studies what makes the character traits of people. A person who has these traits will act by habit in certain ways not because of its consequences but because it is what a virtuous person would do. The Boy Scout pledge is an example of virtue ethics because he pledges to be a...
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...Running head: ETHICS ESSAY Ethics Essay Rebecca Ferns University of Phoenix ETH316 Jamal Ibrahim June 12, 2013 Ethics Essay Introduction The BBC’s Ethics Guide (2013) explains, “At its simplest, ethics is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives.” However, there are various principles within the philosophical practice of ethics that shape how those decisions are made. In this essay virtual, utilitarianism and deontological theoretical ethical theories will be defined and compared. Virtue Ethics In the Basic Ethics textbook (Boylan, 2009), virtue ethics is defined as “taking 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 non-moral. For instance, this principle takes the long look at one’s character and is somewhat forgiving of an occasional slipup that is not in consonance with that person’s historical character.” Thus, for instance, people who lied occasionally were not necessarily immoral or bad people if they did not lie regularly. These lies are especially acceptable for instance if the person only lies in order to protect another person’s safety or feelings. Utilitarianism Meanwhile, Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Driver, 2009) explains that “utilitarianism is generally held to be the view that the morally right action is the action that produces the most good. One thing...
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