...Theories of Ethics and Social Responsibility Gina Leigh Moore University of Phoenix Instructor: Dr. Nancy Kennedy ETH/316 June 24, 2014 To gain a solid understanding of ethical and social responsibility, one should begin by comparing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Once one gains a better insight of the similarities and differences, one can begin to actually comprehend the important roles ethics and social responsibility play in one’s personal and professional success. This essay describes some of the similarities and differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. This essay also includes an example of a personal experience to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. To begin, some the differences and similarities of the three theories must be described. Virtue theory is identified as an ethical theory which is person based rather than action based. It emphasizes one’s virtues, or moral character. In contrast, deontology emphasizes one’s duties or rules and consequentialism emphasizes the consequences of one’s actions. However, this essay will only be discussing one form of consequentialism- utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is defined as the theory in which the right and wrong of an action is determined by its usefulness in bringing the most happiness to those affected by it. While the differences between the...
Words: 415 - Pages: 2
...and ethics. Everyone believes that his or her ethical practice is the only one that existed and 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...
Words: 716 - Pages: 3
...Ethics ETH/316 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...
Words: 639 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 1138 - Pages: 5
...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 action is morally right when that action produces...
Words: 1252 - Pages: 6
...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 in the three theories begin with the ethics and morality. Virtue theory describes a person’s character...
Words: 663 - Pages: 3
...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, & Till, 2013). Deontological theory is similar to the virtue...
Words: 633 - Pages: 3
...Ethics Essay Andrew Urey ETH/316 July 31, 2012 David Cheatham Ethics Essay It is well notice that people response differently to the various issues of life. The ethical lance in which a person chooses to use is to a large extent a reflection of their cultural make-up. Outline in this paper we are going to discuss the similarities and differences as it pertains to these ethical theories, utilitarianism, virtue ethics and deontology. A personal example will be provided to illustrate a situation in which deontology as an ethical theory was applied in a real life situation. Striving to find the goodness in human actions is the similarity in which the ethical theories utilitarianism, virtue ethics and deontology seeks to provide. It is an ancient fact that if an individual wants to find happiness within oneself, it is important to provide that same happiness in the lives of others. 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” (Boylan 2009 Pg. 153). This theory seeks to provide the greater good for the greatest amount of people. Utilitarianism differs from the ethical theory deontology in that deontology is 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 sorts of calculation” ((Boylan 2009 Pg. 71). Deontology does not take into consideration...
Words: 601 - Pages: 3
...Ethics Essay 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...
Words: 733 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 742 - Pages: 3
...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 most choice worthy decision in life. Utilitarianism...
Words: 293 - Pages: 2
...Ethics Essay Sharon Batts ETH/316 February 10, 2014 Professor Heller Ethics Essay Ethical growth is an important instrument needed in today’s society. Virtue, deontological, and utilitarianism theories have similarities and differences. Each theory relates to morals and ethics in precise ways, just as virtue, values, and morality have a precise relationship with one another. Virtue theory relates to ethics by identifying the character of a person as honorable, dependable, loyal, honest, or as untrustworthy, deceiving, careless, or self-serving. Basically a person is described as “good” or “bad”, or a mixture of both. People develop character throughout life as a mirror image of his or her morals. Virtue ethics define a person’s character more so than his or her actions. The downside of this theory is that it does not make allowance for good people who make bad mistake (Garrett, 2005). A teenager may give into peer pressure to steal a car. The teen may have high morals and ethics, but made a foolish decision. Virtue theory defines the teen as a bad person rather than as a good person who did a bad act. The next ethical theory, utilitarianism, focuses on determining the choice for the actions and the choice made depends on the course of action that has the best consequences for that person. The actions of a person are believed to be morally correct or incorrect based only on the outcome of the actions. Therefore, if the result is good, the action is morally right. On...
Words: 919 - Pages: 4
...Ethical Similarities and Differences David I Schuyler ETH/316 July 20, 2014 Leah Miller Comparing Ethics As we go through life, we have to ask ourselves whether the decisions we make are ethical or not? The answer to that question depends on an individual’s perception of ethics. According to Merriam-Webster, ethics are rules of behavior based on ideas about what is morally good or bad. To fully answer the question, one would have to consider the ethical values of the individual. Is the individual basing the decision on virtue ethics, utilitarianism, or a deontological standpoint? A review of these three standpoints would reveal one’s situational perception of ethics. The Ethic Similarities There are similarities within the three perspectives of virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In virtue ethics, one would be making an ethical decision if a virtuous person would do the same under the same circumstance. “Virtue ethics is person rather than action based: it looks at the virtue or moral character of the person carrying out an action, rather than at ethical duties and rules, or the consequences...
Words: 787 - Pages: 4
...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 answers the question “What one ought to do...
Words: 642 - Pages: 3
...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...
Words: 392 - Pages: 2
