...paragraphs the three ethical theories virtue, utilitarianism theories, and deontological ethics will described relating factors to ethics and morality. Definitions for each will be given followed by how they relate in comparison to ethics and morals. Conclude by explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to ethics. Comparing morals and ethical theories helps one to understand a person’s guidance method, which helps or aides a person through their decision making process. Each theory will emphasize the different points including predicting the outcome or end results. To compare the similarities and differences between virtue, utilitarianism theories, and deontological ethics, you will see the breakdown what is meant by virtue and utilitarianism concepts and how they are defined. Stemming from my research, we understand ethics is the study of the person’s action and how that person determines right and wrong. And morals are our ability to determine right from wrong influenced by our upbringing in a religious environment. According to Merriam Webster Dictionary (n.d.), virtues are “conformity to a standard of right” and “a commendable quality or trait”. When I think about virtues, I imagine a person who does what is right no matter what the situation. This person must possess a quality trait that makes him or her believe that there is a higher power they have to eventually have to answer to in the end. “Virtue ethics is also sometimes called...
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...Ethics Essay Ethics Essay Ethics/316 Andrea Anderson December 10, 2012 Ethics Essay Week one reading helps understand and compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. As we include a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. Then concluding in a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. “Utilitarianism is the theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group as a consequence than any other alternative does“(Boylan). Utilitarianism is more morality because it’s a choice of action to either do the right thing or not and if it was ethical then it would be a must to do the right thing. ”Deontological ethics is the moral theory that suggests that an agent’s duty is based upon principle. The theory bases its duties on the nature of human reason or on the nature of human action. It asserts the existence of moral facts and so is a moral realist theory“(Boylan)...
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...Ethics Essay This essay will compare and contrast the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It will also give a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. Virtue ethics is one of the three significant approaches in normative ethics. Initially it is identified as the one that emphasizes the moral character in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties or rules or that which emphasizes the consequences of ethical or unethical actions (Hursthouse, 2012). An example of the virtue theory would be the famous quote “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” A flaw in this theory is that it does not take into consideration a person’s change in moral character. The next theory is Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is based on the ability to determine the consequences of an action before acting on it. Many people use this theory on a case by case situation, meaning choosing what action is more beneficial for that person or people. Utilitarianism is broken down into two categories; act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. In act utilitarianism, person performs the acts that benefit the most people, regardless of personal feelings or the laws or rules; for example boycotts. Rule utilitarianism takes consideration into the laws and fairness of the actions. Immanuel Kant created another theory called deontological theory. Deontological theory deals with right action and the nature...
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...Ethics Many people have different assumptions of what ethics is or what ethics is about. The dictionary says that ethics are a system of a moral principle and morals is what we consider to be principles of wrong or right conduct. Ethically some people believe this requires he or she to have a reason and justification for what he or she believes (Weber, 2008). This paper will compare the similarities and differences between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theory’s with a description of differences in how each address ethics and morality. With a personal experience that will explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral beliefs as they relate to one of the three theories. Virtue Theory Similarities between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological theory’s are they all recognize and support justice and responsibility towards ethics and a standard of action. Virtue focuses on what he or she should choose as their own personal innermost behavior or character and not solely on what customs or laws of a person’s culture are. When his or her character is good, then his or her choices or actions are good ("Virtue Ethics", 2009-2011). Utilitarianism This is an ethical structure that is steered toward outcomes and the results of actions. Making decisions and taking some sort of action that would benefit others by doing something good to the best of one’s ability and preventing anything bad from happening. Goals, results,...
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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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...make the right decision. The ethical theories of utilitarian, deontological, and virtue ethics are the most common. There are also a few similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarian, and deontological ethics. In order to compare and contrast each theory, it is important to understand each theory individually. Utilitarian theory is concerned with the greatest benefit to the most amounts of people. To a utilitarian, this is the choice that is ethically correct. Utilitarian is based on the good of the majority. According to Boylan (2009), “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”. The utilitarian theory is changeable and does not help a person to decide what is universally good. Putting the best interest of the team before one’s personal interests is an example of utilitarianism. The deontological theory is based on the idea that we have a duty to do certain things and to not do certain things. Deontologists do not look at how much good might be caused by an action. Unlike the utilitarian’s, deontologist’s do not care about the consequences no matter the affect on the minority or majority of people affected. The difference between deontology and utilitarianism is that deontology relies more on the decision than on the consequence of the action (Boylan, 2009). The most common influences that guide deontological thought could be things such as religion...
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...Ethics Essay Karen Ramirez ETH/316 Monday 16, 2015 David Radcliff Ethics Essay Introduction We as humans are condemned to make decisions every day in our lives. From choosing to what to eat or wear to deciding if we should lie, steal, kill, or cheat. Ethics and morals have been and will continue to be important factors in our decision making process. We have deal with ethics dilemmas for centuries, and as our generation continues to grow we will encounter with even more complicated ones. Therefore, is up to us to learn and acquired good ethics and morals behaviors to make the right decisions at all times. In this paper I will define the three most famous theories: virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Then, I will discuss the similarities and differences between each one. Lastly, I will share a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts. Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics According to the book Ethics Applied, virtue theory is a character traits that make up a moral life. In addition, the virtue ethical theory judges a person by his/her character rather than by an action that may deviate from his/her normal behavior. It takes the person’s morals, reputation, and motivation into account when rating an unusual and irregular behavior that is considered unethical (Chonko, n.d.). For example, a manager sees two employees coming in late and clocking in on time. One gets a write up because...
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...Ethics Essay There are three major approaches in normative ethics including virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper is going to compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It will include a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics. Virtue ethics focuses on how to be and studies what makes the character traits of people. A person who has these traits will act by habit in certain ways not because of a person’s values, but because it is what a moral person would do. A soldier in the United States Military’s pledge is an example of virtue ethics because he pledges to uphold the responsibilities of his service. Utilitarianism theory of ethics states that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative. In other words, utilitarianism specifically looks at the advantages of happiness, providing the greatest balance of pleasure, along with reducing suffering. Deontology is defined as 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 sort of calculations – such as the consequences of the action.” For example, if you were to find someone’s wallet at a restaurant you have two decisions that can be made. First you can keep it or you can return it to the...
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...Week 1 Ethics Essay ETH/316 June 10, 2013 Ethics Essay This paper is to compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The actions that judge these comes with consequences of the same and how well people conduct themselves based on their set of duties. The questions that come into mind are “what should I do?” also “what sort of person should I be?” The first question is focused on the deontological and teleological where the second question focuses on the virtue theory. These ethical values form a relationship among them, and varies in the purpose of the actions and ethical values that we have in which as a person make moral decisions based on the actions that would make us a good person. When discussing ethics and the similarities of the different lenses one should explain what the lenses are, a description of the differences in which each theory addresses ethics and morality. First, ethics may be defined as, the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human right conduct which includes the study of universal value. These theories all include judging in different aspects, whether it is in the moment, what happens after, or over a lifetime. 1. Virtue theory is dealing mainly with the character of a person. This theory emphasizes one’s character not he obligations or duties expected of them. Virtues are qualities that virtually morally good and desirable in a person. 2. Utilitarian theory usually...
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...Ethics Essay ETH 316 June 4, 2012 There are several ways to approach the level of normative ethics. Those most common are virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper intends to describe and compare the differences and similarities between the three. It will also take into account the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts and how they may relate to any of these theories. Utilitarianism, deontological ethics, and virtue ethics are all parts of normative ethics. Utilitarianism recognizes the consequences of ones actions. Deontology is an emphasis of ones duty or rules involved with their life. Virtue ethics is also known as agent-based or character ethics. This type of ethics focuses on virtue or moral character. When a person exercises virtue ethics, that person makes their own excellence via knowledge gained by experience. This type of ethics is a good example to others and promotes basis for a life that others appreciate (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is when a person feels that an action or thought is morally correct. Any result of promoted by the thought or action produces more of a utility for the group promoting the thought or action (Boylan, 2009). Deontological ethics are those that judge morality of an action by way of following rules. This type of ethics determines right or wrong based on the rules they are given and the duty of following those rules. The person that believes deontological ethics is best for them will...
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...Ethics Student’s Name University Affiliation Ethics Ethics refers to the science wrong and right in actions of human. The purpose of this paper is to compare the similarities and differences between the three main approaches in ethics which are utilitarianism, virtue theory and deontological ethics. I will distinguish them by describing and examining the ethical theories along with giving the facts on how each of the theories is related to morality and ethics. I will also give my personal experience that explains the relationship between values, virtues and moral concepts as they relate to one of these theories. All of us have been faced with situations that have pushed our moral limits. Virtue ethics have the notion that ethics is about agents and not consequences or actions. It refers more particularly to one character exemplifying for evaluating or determining ethical conduct. Generally, virtue ethics stresses one moral character. According to Manias, Monroe, & Till (2013), virtue ethics is also referred to as character or agent based ethics. It takes the notion that when one is living their life, they should try to develop excellence in all that they do and all that others do. For instance, if one finds a purse that has money and returning he purse to its owner is an act of virtue. When I was little I remember finding a purse and giving it back to the lady who had dropped it and I was so proud when the lady thanked me and gave me some money to...
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...Vestal Ethical Theories and Behavioral Traits Ethics 316 LARRY FRAZIER Eight July, 2013 What is your theory regarding the ethical beliefs and morals of the people in your everyday life? There is no right or wrong answer to this question because who is to say that one ethical theory or moral behavior is better than another individuals ethical theory or moral behavior? This paper will address the three main ethical theories, Virtue theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological and define them by providing examples of their similarities, and differences. Last this paper will identify how each theory addresses both ethics and morality and the Pros and Cons for each. According to New Yourks Saint Martins Press, 1998, each theory emphasizes different aspects of an ethical dilemma that lead to the most ethically correct resolution according to the guidelines within the ethical theory itself. The first Theory is the Virtue Theory and it is best defined as someone who’s character is pure and good and they naturally strive to do good by all people and they value other peoples well being as much as they value their own. This is a learned trait, but can be achieved by everyone if taught to put good out in the world, not for self gratification but instead because it’s morally right to do so. Unlike the deontological theory, the Virtue theory performs good deeds naturally and without regard to it being their duty to do so. But the negative aspect to this type of theory is that the decision...
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...Ethics Essay Teresa Galindo ETH/316 January 11, 2016 Matt Barrett Ethics Essay Ethical theories are sets of rules that are meant to serve as a foundation to help people find solutions when they encounter ethically-challenging situations in life. These rules are guidelines for how humans should behave when relating to one another (Panza, 2010). This essay will compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. A situational example will be added to demonstrate how the utilitarian theory relates to virtue, values and morals. Ethical Theories - Similarities The virtue theory centers around the idea that all ethical choices are based on an individual’s morals and beliefs. The results of the decisions made by that individual are solely based on what he/she considers morally correct even if in some instances laws might be broken. The utilitarian theory is based on the idea decisions must be made to ensure the results benefit the “greater-good” not just for one person’s self-interest. The outcome should decrease suffering and increase happiness of the world. The virtue and utilitarian theories are similar in that their purpose is to reduce suffering regardless of pre-imposed laws. Deontological theory revolves around making decisions based purely on obeying pre-set rules and laws. Obeying the pre-conceived rules and laws is the correct thing to do even if the outcome could increase suffering (Manias, Monroe, &...
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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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...Ethical Lenses and Ethical Theories April Mallari ETH / 316 02/09/2012 Evelyn Moorman The purpose of this paper is to compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. The differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality along with a personal experience will be addressed to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. A personal experience would be my character results from the University of Phoenix web based Ethics Game called the Ethical Lens Inventory. I was assigned to play the Ethics Game-Ethical Lens Inventory for class to determine which ethical perspective best categorized me. The results were surprisingly quite accurate in describing my character especially after reading the definitions of each lens and found that I fell into the Rights and Responsibilities Lens. There are four lenses in the ethics game, the Rights and Responsibilities Lens, Relationship Lens, Results Lens and Reputation Lens. Three of the four lenses will be covered in the paper as the Rights and Responsibilities Lens and Reputation lens are both categorized into two different views of the deontological theory. The Rights and Responsibilities Lens classifies me as a “person who uses my reasoning skills and (rationality) to determine your duties as well as the universal rules that each person should follow (autonomy)”...
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