...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 certain person. Utilitarianism is the view that says “if an act will produce more happiness than will alternatives, it is the right thing to do, and if it will produce less happiness, it would be wrong to do it...
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...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 to find a wallet and returning it to the owner. To this day, I remember being proud when the owner thanked me. As we mature we are, as humans, programmed to understand the difference between right and wrong. However, we sometimes choose the wrong path, and lean toward...
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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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...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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...Virtue Not Included Religion is a very important aspect in the lives of many people. Wars have been fought over religion, families have been torn apart or brought together, and lives have been lost to it and dedicated to it. It is often stereotyped that a religious person is also a virtuous person or that religion is a precedent to morality. It is then further stereotyped that religion endows a community with a sense of right and wrong or good and bad. In an article from the Psychological Bulletin it is stated, “The notion that religion is a precondition for morality is widespread and deeply ingrained.” This notion is presented in a variety of mediums as is likewise refuted in a variety of mediums. One example is Catherine Marie Sedgwick’s...
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...In Glittering Vices, Rebecca Konyndyk DeYoung discusses the various virtues and vices and how they can be exercised. Specifically, she notes the difference between “acting according to virtue” and “acting from the virtue” by giving an example of two married people (DeYoung 16). The first, Jane, does not act on feelings toward other men, but nevertheless still experiences such wayward emotions. The second, Joe, has demonstrated a committed marriage through both good and bad times. I agree with DeYoung that both Jane and Joe are faithful toward their spouses, but there clearly is a difference between the two different levels of virtuousness. First, as DeYoung points out, the difference lies in the root of the action, either according to or...
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...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 characteristics. Utilitarianism and deontology ethics look at what a group should do, and this is different from personal inclinations and desires. In a virtue theory, an individual’s desires and inclinations are relevant to morality. Virtue theory is also called character ethics or agent-based. Utilitarianism is a term in normative ethics that has no precise meaning. It is the theory...
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...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 sets...
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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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...Virtue can simply be defined as the quality in a person to do what is right and shun what is wrong. Virtue enables a person to attain moral excellence. It is not only a quality which has substance, but also one, which is extremely desirable. In ancient Greek, during times of Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, moral philosophy was an essential discipline which got taught in schools. Most of the Great philosophers of that time heard a different version, accounts and views about the ideal, moral virtues. In this essay, attempts are made critically to analyze the views, opinions and beliefs of two of the most influential philosophers of all time- Socrates and Aristotle ( Prior, 2001). The essays will showcase the crucial differences between Aristotle account on virtue, and Socrates account of virtue. This essay will then attempt to give an analysis of which among the two arguments is the most plausible. It should be noted from the onset the Socrates and Aristotle have different and also similar arguments about virtue. They concur that virtue is a state but differ sharply on its functions. These accounts shall get discussed in the essay ( Anagnostopoulos, 2011). The account on virtue as proposed, by Aristotle perceives morals virtues, to represent the characters that are a consequence of habits repeating themselves over and over again. His account explains that the virtues of a person can be traced between the two extreme ends of two cardinal states, which are scarcity and excess...
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... 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). So deontological is being more ethical because it is based on principles and if it was morality then it would not be based on principles. “Virtue ethics is also called agent-based ethics. Its position is that we become good when we cultivate excellence (virtue) by pursuing the moderate course between excess and defect. Since the origin of the virtues is in question, some practitioners of...
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...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, and the outcomes are people’s main objective, not any actions that are taken to accomplish these results ("Deciding What’s Right", 2006). Deontology This theory is supposed to guide his or her choices regarding what is morally forbidden, permitted, are required. This theory is to assess and guide our choices in what he or she ought to do, contrary to virtue theory which assess and...
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...Ethics is a set of moral principles; a theory or system of moral values. Normative ethics is an ethical system with standards that regulate right and wrong conduct. This ethical system can be broken down into three categories: virtue ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics. Normative ethics' golden rule is to do unto others what we want others to do to us. This establishes a single principle against which we judge all actions. The study and application of ethics has created a variety of approaches to the basic questions of what should I do?, what do i value?, and why do I value that? The purpose of this paper is to discuss the similarities and differences between virtue ethics, utilitarian ethics, and deontological ethics both morally and ethically. Virtue ethics is the character of a moral agent as a driving force for ethical behavior. For example, a person using the virtue approach would focus less on lying in a particular situation and instead consider the decision to tell a lie or not to tell a lie. Virtue ethics places less emphasis on learning rules, and instead stresses the importance of developing good habits of character. Utilitarian ethics is 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. For example, a utilitarian approach implies that no moral act like stealing, or a rule like keeping your promise, is in intrinsically right or wrong. The rightness or wrongness...
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...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 deciding what is the...
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...Ethics and Social Responsibility Ethics and Social Responsibility To gain further understanding into ethical and social responsibility one should begin by comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, 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. The analysis below describes the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. The analysis also includes a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. The conclusion explains how this information on ethics and social responsibility provides a road to success or failure, depending on the implementation of the knowledge one gains from the data and the decisions one makes. Utilitarianism Theory Working in teams is a very big part of today’s work environment. People work in teams at work as well as in the home. Teamwork is also a big part of the learning environment at University of Phoenix as well as other higher learning institutions. A good team player develops skills that can lead to successful completion of projects and helps with decision-making. Putting the best interest of the team before one’s personal interests is utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009). According to Boylan, “utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an...
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