...Ethics Essay ETH/316 Dr. Jody Kehle October 31, 2013 Ethics Essay The comparison in the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics explains how an individual handles moral and ethical issues on a daily basis. Virtual theory uses the judgment of ones character rather than ones actions. The individual’s morals, reputation, and motivation are some of the factors used in this theory to help determine ones character. This theory does not take into consideration a change in moral behavioral character. Utilitarian theory is based on the capability to predict the consequences ones own action. The utilitarian uses the point system and prediction of solutions. Utilitarian has two types; act utilitarian and rule utilitarian. Each of the utilitarian types is somewhat different, yet similar. Act utilitarian is the same as the utilitarian theory; however, rule utilitarian considers the law and justice. Deontological theory is one that is based on the belief that one should adhere to ones own commitments and duties when dealing with an issue. One of the benefits of this theory is that one will use this bases for commitments and duties to others. For example, a grandmother may feel the warrant to take care of her grandchildren, when they are in financial need. All these theories can demonstrate moral and ethical behaviors for those individuals that adhere to them on a daily basis. In my own personal experience, I am able to...
Words: 410 - Pages: 2
...Explain how a utilitarian might use the hedonic calculus in making moral decisions. Introduction Utilitarianism is an ethical theory, introduced by Bentham, in guiding people on how to make moral decisions, based on the outcome of your actions. Does the action that you are going to do, bring pleasure to the majority of people? This is the whole basis of utilitarianism. The hedonic calculus is a part of the decision making process in utilitarianism, it is a guide with 7 measures, which help the utilitarian make a moral decision. This essay will look at the ethical issue of death penalty and how a utilitarian will use the hedonic calculus in making a moral decision. 1st paragraph Death penalty * What is it? * Controversial debate * Talk about how modern society compensation, people want pay back for the loss * Many are in favour some aren’t believe life is valuable 2nd paragraph * A terrorist * Death penalty favourable great happiness * Looking at the hedonic calculus 7 measures how they fit in category? Benefit society how? * Summarise back to the question yes utilitarian then see its good moral decision say it’s good considering all views 3rd paragraph Counter argument * However, doesn’t look at the minority? * How can utilitarian use the hedonic calculus to make a decision? It doesn’t look what else can happen from the action u do. More death threats for the country etc. * Subjective * Summarise back to...
Words: 600 - Pages: 3
...Ethical Style Essay Ethical Style Essay My personal ethics are shaped by my training and responsibility as a sailor serving in the US Navy coupled with my duties and responsibilities as a Christian. At different times my ethical approach changes but can be mostly characterized as a bridge between a utilitarian, loyalist, Judeo-Christian, and intuitive ethical styles. The utilitarian and loyalist style aligns with my leadership role in the military supporting the motto “mission + men = success” with an emphasis on mission first. Leaders are often faced with making a decision that affects the group as a whole and must consider how the consequence effect the groups as a whole calling into play the utilitarian style. The Navy also demands my loyalty as we are sworn to obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me. On the other hand my personal/religious approach is governed by the Judeo-Christian style with the Golden Rule at the forefront of my mind. The intuitive style bridges the gap between the two as my gut feelings are a response to my military/life experience and training driven by the Holy Spirit. This allows me to make split ethical decisions without an extensive thought process. One day I was approached by a sailor who claimed that Leading Chief Petty officer in the food service division was running him down and he was concerned that one day he would not be able to control his emotion. I asked him if there were any others that felt the same...
Words: 519 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 664 - Pages: 3
...For Better or for Worst Sarah Stillman addresses the sweatshop debate from a primarily utilitarian standpoint. This standpoint doesn’t consider multiple important factors and is not an indication of how people actually act. In my opinion, Stillman’s stance reveals a failure to address the globalized nature of the sweatshop phenomenon with regards to the ease with which corporations are capable of moving their operations to other countries. On the other hand, she does bring up important ethical concerns that should be addressed. In her 2005 essay Made by Us: Young Women, Sweatshops, and the Ethics of Globalization, author Sarah Stillman provides the reader with a narrative of her experiences interacting with young women employed in Latin American sweatshops. She indicates that she believes that globalization – a process marked by the growing interconnectedness of global systems – has been lead to a proliferation of sweatshop factories in the third world and expresses concern that young women are “increasingly bearing the burdens of globalization while reaping relatively few of its tremendous rewards" . Although it is not explicitly stated in her essay, Stillman seems to espouse a primarily utilitarian philosophy in her moral judgements of the sweatshop industry. John Stuart Mill, an English philosopher and founder of the utilitarian school of moral reasoning, describes it as the following: [t]he creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, utility, or the greatest happiness...
Words: 1338 - Pages: 6
...performance of affirmative action using logical arguments ethical theories, and perspectives. This paper will examine in what way a Utilitarian, Deontologist, Virtue Ethicist, Relativist and an Ethical Egoist would debate against the use of affirmative action. The case will be made by demonstrating why this practice is unquestionably unethical and discriminatory. Affirmative action is frequently used to give subgroups a benefit when applying for jobs, colleges or other organizations. In some cases, companies are financially incentivized to be racially diverse and in other instances extra points are given for test results. The result of these practices enables candidates, which could be less experienced to satisfy a position, to be chosen in order to achieve minority quotas. Affirmative action was passed to push back opposed to racism after segregation was viewed unlawful in order to get the government and employers to employ minorities; however, it is twisted by issues. In order to comprehend how an ethical perspective or theory would deal with affirmative action, it is necessary to first comprehend the view or approach. Utilitarianism is acknowledged as an important ethical theory, which only means that it centers on the expected result of an act, instead of the principles of the act itself or the agent involved in the action. The Utilitarian may endorse using the motto, “the ends justify the means”. The most fundamental evidence of Utilitarianism is that the agent must choose...
Words: 2250 - Pages: 9
...Utilitarian And Kantian Concept Of Punishment Print this Table of Contents S. No. | Content | Page No. | | Introduction | 3. | | Research Methodology | 4. | | Chapter 1: Utility of Punishment | 6. | | Chapter 2: Retributive Justice And Legitimacy | 10. | | Chapter 3: Can Capital Punishment Be Justified | 13 | | Chapter 4: Finding A Middle Way | 15. | | Conclusion | 17. | | Bibliography | 18. | Introduction Punishment entails the intentional infliction of pain or some type of deprivation in an institutionalized form that individuals would generally prefer to avoid. This requires justification to be morally acceptable. Attempts to provide justification for infliction of punishment are made by various punishment theories. Punishment theories generally can be separated into a handful of philosophical camps—consequentialist theories, non-consequentialist theories, and mixed (or hybrid) theories that contain both consequentialist and non-consequentialist elements. What distinguishes these theories is their focus and goals: Consequentialist theories are forward-looking, concerned with the future consequences of punishment; non-consequentialist theories are backward-looking, interested solely in past acts and mental states; and mixed theories are both forward- and backward-looking, with each hybrid placing a different emphasis on culpable past conduct versus future consequences. The present paper will briefly examine the two dominant consequentialist and...
Words: 6603 - Pages: 27
...a God. Which group is correct? In this essay the information obtained will describe what each groups knowledge is pertaining to ethics and morals. The person obtaining the knowledge will be the one to determine which is correct and has the best definition. Similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are they all to making the right and wrong decisions. Determining which will be most effective with the way one was raised, or learned while growing up. Everyone should have been taught right from wrong at a young age. Not everyone is taught the same beliefs, but knowing right from wrong is the key issue. Differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are the group, or range of people the ethics or morals is taught to. Also the group of people or person decides which form is best needed in the situation at hand. Virtue theory is described as what is means to be good; the Greek philosopher Aristotle described the virtual theory as a median between excesses, and habits of the character. Thomas Aquinas philosopher and theologian priest adds the religious component to the virtue theory. Father Thomas also separates the different types of virtues and moral dilemmas (Peinado, slide 22, 2014). The Utilitarian Theory refers to a team or community; the benefits the larger group has, the greatest good for the greatest number. The British philosopher Jeremy Bentham defines the utilitarian theory as usefulness to the team or community...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...We are fortunate to have a variety of ethical theories that provide a substantial framework when trying to make ethically correct answers. Each ethical theory attempts to adhere to the ethical principles that lead to success when trying to reach the best decision. When one understands each individual theory, including its strengths and weaknesses, one can make the most informed decision when trying to achieve an ethically correct answer to a dilemma. Ethics Essay Even though people usually base their individual choice of ethical theory upon their life experiences (1,2). Each of these theories is seen every day through in our actions and decisions. One of the virtue theories that I can relate to is virtue, which encourages me to be the best that I can be, and put forth the effort necessary to be successful in my endeavors. I believe that by being the best person I can be, I not only demonstrate discipline, but that I also acquire the tools and knowledge necessary to take what I have learned and use it to help others. People usually base their individual choice of ethical theory upon their life experiences (1,2). It seems I'm personally drawn more to Virtue Ethics and Deontology, but I'm not sure which would over power the other. Theory Differences Deontological ethics contend that individuals should lead by example and establish moral precedent through their virtuous actions. The deontological theory states that people should adhere to their obligations and duties when analyzing...
Words: 872 - Pages: 4
...attitudes towards a certain product is crucial for any marketers as it determines how well their products or services perform in the specific market. From that, marketers will know how to tailor their products to meet each individual’s unique requirement. There are two types of attitudes, positive attitude and negative attitude. When a consumer have a positive attitude towards a product, he or she will spread positive word of mouth to others, this can boost up the company’s image, however, negative attitudes towards the product may have a big impact on both reputation and sales of the company. This essay will outline how consumer attitudes are formed and affect the behavior of consumers. Next, the difference in behavior and attitudes on product choice and purchase when consumers are rational or irrational decision makers will be discussed, Lastly, the ways marketers used to change consumers ‘attitudes and behavior when they are rational or irrational will be included as well. Content Different types of consumers have different attitudes towards products or services. An attitude can be formed in different ways. Attitude formation can be divided to three categories: how attitudes are learned, the sources of...
Words: 4255 - Pages: 18
...Ethics Essay Comparing and distinct ethical theories helps an individual to appreciate the regulation system, which helps or aides one throughout their decision-making process. Virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology theories try to set up a moral that an individuality person can survive, and perform on. These approaches to ethics have similarities and differences at the end of the day. Every theory has its individual thoughts as regard to ethics and morality concerning the character of a human being and the public. There can be benefits and penalty change with virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology theories. Virtue theory is unlike the other two normative theories; utilitarianism and deontology. It focuses more on the person, and their distinctiveness, as oppose to just looking at an action that has be carried out. Deontology and utilitarianism look at what we ought to do, and this is divided from personal needs and inclinations. Virtue knows how to be seen as an ethics of individual growth. Community can extend virtues in excess of time, and so in theory, cultivate into an improved person (Weineck, 2007). A personal example is too shy to handle something, but over time getting the courage to stand up for myself. Even as utilitarianism is then an accepted ethical theory, at hand are a few difficulties in relying on it as a method for ethical decision-making. The utilitarian result requires that we allocate principles to the benefits and troubles ensuing from our dealings...
Words: 556 - Pages: 3
...values because it may help them act morally in a given situation, conform to the laws and do the right thing as presented. It is in relation of the moral decision making that the story of this car manufacturer recalls that people have to use their ethical values in measure to act as right as possible toward one to another in given circumstances. Utilitarianism in general could be defined as a moral principle that holds that the righteous or wrongness of an action could be determined by its usefulness of bringing the most happiness to the greatest number of people affected by the act. Also, the theory of utilitarianism values that the morality of an action is the one that maximizes utility. Many people use the moral principles of the utilitarian to respond in a given situation and do as right as possible. However, some people do not always use their morals values in some situations and tend to use to react on their self-interest or well-being. The story of the number one car manufacturer presents that in the society where we all live, people should use their morals values to make the right decisions and do the right thing for the safety of all. In reference to the theory of utilitarianism the car manufacturer has to make a choice on either leave the release of the Hipster with the major brake defeat that can cause deadly accidents or recalls the release and look further into the incidents. Therefore using...
Words: 1935 - Pages: 8
...for any type of offence. Punishment was based on a retributive means, where the punishment, or harm, given was equal to the harm caused by the perpetrator. In 1764, Beccaria published a book called “On crimes and Punishments”, where he theorised that this approach did not discourage determined criminals from committing crimes. He suggested, however, by taking away their liberty through incarceration that this would deter other would-be criminals not to commit similar crimes, and would also prevent the perpetrator to recommit the crime again. He based this theory on the utilitarian ideals: “the greatest happiness shared by the greatest number” (Beccaria 1764/1994, p. 227). In his book, Beccaria theorised the deterrence to a crime would increase in effectiveness the faster the punishment was delivered. He also argued that the punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed, as, following the utilitarian ideals, this would be in the interest to the greater good. Beccaria also examined the fact that at the time punishment for the same crime could range from nothing to the death penalty, as it was to the complete discretion of the magistrate to what punishment was appropriate. Beccaria argued that the same crime should...
Words: 1364 - Pages: 6
...and secondary agents of social control, such as the family or religion, and so should not commit crime. Functionalism is also a Right Wing theory, which believes that agents of social control like the police are fair and just; law reflects the collective conscience; people are biologically selfish and official statistics are valid. Functionalists included in this essay are Durkheim and Merton with evaluation from functionalist subcultural theorists, Cloward and Ohlin, and Marxism. Durkheim said that crime is inevitable: this is because people are not equally committed to the law due to individual differences and each society has its own definitions of what is deviant and so even a ‘society of saints’ will have deviance. He also said that crime is functional for society when there is the ‘right’ amount. The collective conscience needs to be at a moderate energy so that there is not too much or too little crime. When there is the right amount, society can progress as the criminal may be ‘the origin of the genius’ as they challenge societies current values. Durkheim also made the concept of anomie. At times of rapid change, society can enter a state of normlessness, as there are no common norms and values, which revert people back to being biologically selfish. Durkheim’s view of crime being functional has been heavily criticised. Downes and Rock argues that it is not functional for the victim or the victim’s family; Durkheim fails to explain why there is crime; his theory is not...
Words: 1317 - Pages: 6
...and secondary agents of social control, such as the family or religion, and so should not commit crime. Functionalism is also a Right Wing theory, which believes that agents of social control like the police are fair and just; law reflects the collective conscience; people are biologically selfish and official statistics are valid. Functionalists included in this essay are Durkheim and Merton with evaluation from functionalist subcultural theorists, Cloward and Ohlin, and Marxism. Durkheim said that crime is inevitable: this is because people are not equally committed to the law due to individual differences and each society has its own definitions of what is deviant and so even a ‘society of saints’ will have deviance. He also said that crime is functional for society when there is the ‘right’ amount. The collective conscience needs to be at a moderate energy so that there is not too much or too little crime. When there is the right amount, society can progress as the criminal may be ‘the origin of the genius’ as they challenge societies current values. Durkheim also made the concept of anomie. At times of rapid change, society can enter a state of normlessness, as there are no common norms and values, which revert people back to being biologically selfish. Durkheim’s view of crime being functional has been heavily criticised. Downes and Rock argues that it is not functional for the victim or the victim’s family; Durkheim fails to explain why there is crime; his theory is not...
Words: 1317 - Pages: 6
