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Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics
The most widely utilized approaches today to ethics consist of virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Each are for doing the right thing, but have different ideas on what is the right thing. During this paper I will be discussing the differences in these approaches to ethics
Virtue Theory This approach to ethics has to do with one’s moral character and how one should live. Aristotle was a famous mind who believed in this form of ethics.
Utilitarianism
In this approach to ethics one considers the consequences, and what maximizes happiness. If my son was dying of some disease and there was a cure that I could not afford. It would be ok to steal it to save his life, as long as it is saving his life without really hurting others. There is no shortage and the doctor could most definitely afford it.
Deontological Ethics Deontological ethics deals with duty, and maxims, or universal law. Unlike virtue theory dealing with just ones virtues, deontology deals with the effects of the mass. With utilitarianism it was ok to steal to save a life as long as it maximizes happiness without truly hurting others. But with deontology if stealing for anything should become a maxim then the world would be without ethics.
Conclusion
During my time in the Army the word values was imprinted into my head. The way I conducted myself from day to day would be to live by these values for others to follow. My values would help define my character. One time during a deployment to Iraq I fell into a dilemma. I became the approving authority for leave. A few of my Soldiers came to me to take leave together. Even though they deserved leave and it would not hurt anyone if I approved it, I could not allow it. If I allowed it then more people would want to do this and it would then create a problem. I could

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