...Ethics Essay Franklin G. Hisole ETH / 316 April 20, 2015 Robert Gennette Ethics and Morality Moral and ethics defines the nature of our society and culture today. They are both complimentary in nature but different in some ways. Moral determines person’s character when an individual interacts in social and personal relationship and Ethics are the philosophical study of morality or moral standards. Utilitarian theory, Virtue ethics, and Deontological are some of the examples of major ethical theories that covered in this essay. Collaboration on personal experiences added as well by explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts. Virtue Ethics The virtue theory approach centered on a belief that a person is responsible for their ethical choices and decision. The central feature of virtue ethics is the focus on decision’s outcome, as supposed to following and setting up specific rules for every scenario. One is responsible for making the best possible choice that morally coincides with his or her beliefs whether it’s breaking the law. One example commonly accepted in the community is the “Robin Hood” method. A person will steal food, money or essential things just to support or give it away to people in need. The act clearly violates the law and may seem like an immoral or unethical act to some people, but that individual believes that an act was virtuous since he helps poor people by providing their needs. The...
Words: 760 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Essay ETH/316 – Ethics and Social Responsibility Introduction Everyday our lives are enriched in ethics as it relates to thought provoking ideologies such as similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological studies. Through ethics we share experiences, formulate beliefs, exchange ideas, transmit knowledge, and sustain culture. One must identify with the significance of ethics in order to understand it. Our main beliefs pertaining to ethics usually are pleasant. Common simple ethical terms such as “by virtue” or “useful” help us to develop new senses when we continuously express them within our personal beliefs. Concrete ethics vividly helps us to bring things to life. Based on my research, in a few words I will attempt to explain how ethics connect to show varied ideas, philosophical viewpoints (i.e., Article – “Ethics in Society”), endless possibilities, and how ethics play an important role in our everyday life. Descriptive Differences Utilitarianism has the great virtue of selecting reason as the means of achieving its objectives. It acknowledges that we can rationally determine moral truths. It's primary standard is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Each person and thing such as an animal has the same value according to a utilitarian thought process. To function effectively, to make the right choices, we need not only the right emotional guidance, but also the conscious knowledge...
Words: 840 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Essay Shannon Williams ETH/316 November 25, 2013 Jeremy Gephart Your beliefs don’t make you a better person, your behavior does. This is a saying that I have been taught as a child. While reading this essay it will discuss the similarities and differences of virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology, theory as it relates to ethics and morals. Also how a personal experience that explains the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to one of the theories. Ethics and morality play a major role in day to day situations; they dictate how to respond in an acceptable manner. Similarities and Differences Virtue Ethics deals with what is right or wrong. It is a character-based ethic that views ones action over a period and not for a single action. Utilitarianism theory implies that an action is morally right when it creates a worthy result for the greater good of the people. Deontology is a moral theory that emphasis on one’s duty to do the right thing or take an action, without thinking of the consequences. All three theories deal with how a person perceives, judges, and react to a situation. Each theory deals with demonstrating the good in a person; making the right or morally correct decision. Both Virtue Ethics and Deontology deal with what is ethically and morally right or wrong. Motivation is what causes a significant difference among the three theories. Virtue ethics emphasis trying to achieve excellence in...
Words: 538 - Pages: 3
...Virtue theory is a thought in ethics that the individual is responsible for all ethical choices. It focuses on the outcome of a decision rather than setting rules for specific occasions. Each individual is responsible for making their own choices and predicting the outcome of that decision being made. Stealing is unethical but if a worker is stealing food from his job, which is a multi million-dollar corporation, is it really considered stealing? Maybe this person is stealing because he has to so he can feed his family. It mainly comes down to this person’s moral beliefs and his actions. The ethical standards serve as tools to ensure and not harm the public. The virtue theory shows a person who is sympathetic because of their character, not because they will gain something out of doing the right thing. Utilitarian ethics is lead by a universal rule that all decisions should be made to reduce distress and increase contentment for everyone. Ethical standards can then be achieved when embodied in our decisions and practice behavior by knowing, understanding, embracing value and internalizing those ethical values to guide our decisions every day. An example of utilitarian ethics is legalizing marijuana. Marijuana makes people happy, cures illness, and/or symptoms/side effects associated with terminal illness. Cannabis oil has even been used to cure seizures, cancer in placement of chemotherapy. In spite of government propaganda, the laws against marijuana persecute many harmless...
Words: 482 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Essay Ethics is something that we as people deal with on a daily bases. People view ethics in their own way and have their own way of approaching everyday conflicts, which ethical and moral decisions need to be made. In this paper I will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. I will describe the differences on how each theory addresses ethics and morality. I will also add a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to one of the three theories. Virtue theory is basically is a form of ethics that uses a person's character as a way to determine ethical behavior. Virtue theory will base their ethical decision making on a case by case bases, which will factor in personal benefit, group benefit or overall intentions. For example a person finds $100.00 outside of a bank ATM and is faced with the decision to either walk into the bank and turn in the money for the owner to claim or keep the money for themselves. This person can make the decision to keep the money based on the fact that he is short on cash that week, it can help feed his family, and the money is going to be used to help with his financial situation. In this case the found money can be a benefit or the person can choose to turn in the money, which of the two is solely up to that person to decide to do. Utilitarianism ethics is another approach that basically influence ethical behavior...
Words: 631 - Pages: 3
...University of Phoenix Ethics Essay Student Ethics 316 May 14, 2012 Week 1 Dr. No Teach Ethics Essay Ethical development is an important tool in today’s society and is the basis of a defining an entire culture. In this paper, the topic will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theories. Additionally, reflecting on a personal experience I will explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific ethics theory. Similarities and Differences in Ethics Theories Understanding the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics starts with describing each ethic theory. According to Boylan (2009), virtue theory has a definition of cultivating excellence in life and constituting an aspect of the “good person”. 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). Finally, according to Encyclopedia Britannica (2012), “deontological ethics, in philosophy, ethical theories that place special emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of human actions” (Deontological Ethics). The similarities between the three theories represent the good in people, how they strive for excellence, and justified good. The differences...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...Fundamentals of Macroeconomics ECO/372 Ethics Essay The Virtue, Utilitarianism, and Deontological concepts all have something in a common. Each one of these three concepts concentrates on an individual’s actions leading to various options, in addition to how the options affected others. The variations within each of these concepts are who engaged and was impacted by those options. The Virtue concept concentrates on an individual's character. One could stay in their lifestyle by seeking quality in everything they and others do (Boylan, 2009). The Utilitarianism concept considers that an activity, which is created to the advantage of a team, is fairly appropriate, if it delivers the biggest advantage to that team (Boylan, 2009). Utilitarianism is frequently known through the motto, “The biggest excellent for the biggest variety (Boylan, 2009).” between the three theories, Deontology is the most different. This concept moves around ones choice to control. Deontologists create options depending on understanding that something is right without concern to the higher excellent of others (Boylan, 2009). Ethics and Morality Ethics and morality are often applied interchangeably, often the outcome in viewed in the terms such as excellent, bad, right, and incorrect (Trevino, 2007). Ethics has several techniques although the most typical is determined as the technology of correct and incorrect personal activities...
Words: 640 - Pages: 3
...Ethics Essay ETH/316 version 2 Ethics Essay Utilitarianism is doing what is good for the team, putting the teams’ needs above your own. It says it is morally right to put the needs of others above your own to create a greater good. DE ontologically theory is about doing your duty because it follows a set of rules, it is the right thing to do based on the laws and rules. Virtue theory focuses on a history of excellence or doing good. It spends a lot of time on a proven character trait of excellence and good. Insert the paraphrased material (Michael Bolan 2009). I use both since I am a former military man and doing my duty is now ingrained in to me as is a Christian background and upbringing. I have learned in life to do what is good and benefit is the team, to support the team above my needs. This ensures the cooperation and survival of the team. But I only can go so far with this because sometimes what is thought to be good goes against my morals and in the long run would deteriorate the team. When this happens, I have to fall back on a set of rules and do what the right thing to do is based on a set of laws and rules. This not always seen as best for the team however, it is it gives balance, respect, and order that everyone in the team can follow, recognize and respect. If it is not followed, the team eventually breaks down. Both theories align with my beliefs. I put the team or group ahead of my needs and when necessary I follow the rules which at times...
Words: 386 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Denise Griego ETH/316 June 4, 2014 Angela Peinado Ethics Many cultures have different perspectives of ethics and morals. Not one opinion or perspective is correct. Religious groups think their perspective and knowledge of ethics and morals pertain to God or gods. Theists think their perspective does no pertain to 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...
Words: 780 - Pages: 4
...Ethics Essay Brandi LaDue ETH/316 March 12, 2012 Jeff Codner Ethics Essay Ethics adapts to a code of behavior with respect to groups such as family, communities, and professional places. Morality is more of a personalized code of behavior that derives from one’s individual conscience or beliefs on what is right and wrong. There are three theories of ethics which are virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology ethics that have similarities and differences. Each theory accentuates different points such as predicting the outcome and following one's responsibilities to others as well as reaches an ethically correct decision (Boylan, 2009). Each of the three ethical theories utilitarianism, virtue, and deontological will be described relating to ethics and morality. Virtue ethics has the viewpoint that a person should try to experience excellence in all that they do and what others do in their life. Virtue ethics focuses on the character of the moral means instead of the rules (Deontology) and consequences (Utilitarianism). Unlike the virtue theory, deontology has a heavy importance on duty in action or simply loyalty to rules. Utilitarianism ethics emphasize that action should be morally beneficial to a group. This theory is often known as “the greatest good for the greatest number” or “the greater good” (Boylan, 2009, pg. 153). All three of these ethical practices have similarities. The most obvious similarity is consequence of action. Even though consequence...
Words: 276 - Pages: 2
...Running head: ETHICS ESSAY Ethics Essay Marilyn Alamo University of Phoenix Ethics and Social Responsibility ETH/316 Christopher Whetstine Mar 24, 2014 Ethics Essay Ethics is a philosophy in determining what is good or bad and what is right from wrong. In everyday life ethics is used to decide what moral direction to take. This essay will be comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarian, and deontological ethics. The concept of Virtue theory is that a person chooses his or her own personal character than to rely on what is custom or the law by society to determine behavior. If a person builds good character traits such as kindness, patience and generosity these traits will allow the person to make the right decisions in life. Utilitarianism is a principle and a form of consequentialism which basically advocates that the action taken is the right one when the outcome benefits the majority overall. This ethical theory focuses more on the consequences of the action taken versus the motive behind the action so lying, cheating or stealing doesn’t matter as long as the outcome is beneficial to most. Deontological ethics is duty based morality. The theory basically means that the actions are not justified by the consequences of the action and that the means is what is important. Immanuel Kant the German philosopher developed the “Categorical Imperative” which is similar to the “Golden Rule” in Christianity. In the Groundwork for the Metaphysics...
Words: 494 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 458 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Essay Jessica Washington ETH/316 February 1, 2014 Randy Howell Ethics Essay There are two major theories that try to break down and justify moral rules and principles of life. Virtue ethics looks closer at the role ones character plays, what virtues that person has to determine their ethical behavior. Deontological ethics is the natural moral law one lives by, intuitions from common sense. The word “deontological” comes from the Greek word Deon which means “binding duty.” (Moreland, 2009) Deontological ethics focuses more on doing the right thing, yes we know that lying or cheating is wrong however the consequences are not important. Consequences are what allow and help us realize what is morally wrong. When it comes to Utilitarianism (also called consequentialism) is a moral theory developed and refined in the modern world in the writings of Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) and John Stuart Mill (1806-1873). (Moreland, 2009) A utilitarian believes that there is no rule or moral act that can be looked at as right or wrong morality is a means to a greater end. The difference between these ethical approaches of morality can be found in the way moral dilemmas are seen, not in the moral conclusion reached in the end. The word "virtue" is one such word that some individuals may interpret to imply a type of strength or power, while another individual may interpret the word to imply a type of righteousness and purity. (Ethics, 2013) Moral and ethical statements should also...
Words: 367 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Essay ETH 316 November 11, 2013 Ellen Beattie, Ph.D. Ethics Essay Ethics is defined as moral principles that define a person’s or group’s moral behavior. Most people believe that doing the right thing is the way to go but other’s do not know the where that line is. There are a few different types of theories behind ethics including virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontology. Virtue Ethics Virtue ethics, also called character ethics, takes the viewpoint that a person should always embody moral character as a base for one’s choices and actions (Boylan, 2009). The concept behind virtue ethics is one focuses on what themselves chooses for his/her character rather than on the decisions and actions of others or a community. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more utility for the group than any other alternative (Boylan, 2009). This theory is more for the quantity rather than the quality in which it is perceived. Some people may feel the action or decision is not morally correct but when the majority goes one way that us the way everyone should go. Deontology Deontology ethics is connected with one’s duties and rights to a particular action (Boylan, 2009). Deontology considers obeying the rules is more important than the outcome. This theory determines that some things are just wrong and should not be acted upon. Conclusion All of these ethics vary in the way in which a person or...
Words: 362 - Pages: 2
...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...
Words: 421 - Pages: 2
