...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...
Words: 1252 - Pages: 6
...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 and evaluate them with the benefits and troubles that may affect further actions. It is seldom difficult to gauge...
Words: 556 - Pages: 3
...progress. It also saves money in other ways. There is a saying. "A stitch in time saves nine". So, if we take our food punctually, we will never be sick and so we will never have to spend money on medicines and doctors or to worry our near and dear ones in this connection. And this principle applies well in all other cases. Conclusion: Everybody should be punctual in his everyday life. Every students should make a habit of punctuality. The people who have become great in their lives are very punctual. Punctuality is the first condition for becoming great in life. So, punctuality should be the motto in our life. We should not only be punctual ourselves but also advise others to be punctual. Punctuality is considered to be the noblest of virtues. It is the mark of civilized and cultured people. It is the habit of doing things in correct time. ‘A stitch in time saves nine’, so says an English proverb. Doing things in time,...
Words: 1438 - Pages: 6
...Response #1 In Nicomachean Ethics, Aristotle defines virtue extensively, and thus relates that definition to the activity of happiness and leading a happy life. Firstly, Aristotle begins to discuss virtue in book two, chapter one, stating, “Virtue, then, being of two kinds, intellectual and moral, intellectual virtue in the main owes both its birth and its growth to teaching (for which reason it requires experience and time), while moral virtue comes about as a result of habit, whence also its name(ethike) is one that is formed by a slight variation from the word ethos (habit)” (87). Virtue appears in two different forms, and that of moral virtue is not one decided by nature, but rather by our habits and how we live our lives. Furthermore,...
Words: 874 - Pages: 4
...Virtue: conformity to a standard of right Virtues contribute to people’s actions in today’s society. Society as a whole has a common set of virtues that many people agree on. In today’s society, these are known as laws. Virtues also mold the individual outlook on life, and give them the moral’s to do what is right. In The Republic, Plato divides the city into three classes: gold, silver, as well as bronze and iron souls. Each class is designated to posses a specific virtue. He believes that wisdom, courage, moderation, and justice combine together to form The Republic. However, Plato’s four virtues individually do not necessarily produce a utopian society. A combination of the four in each citizen is imperative in producing the ideal society. In Plato’s search for the perfect “republic”, he decides that the basis of the city will be on four virtues. The first of them is wisdom. Plato defines wisdom, in Greek terms “Sophia”, as knowledge of the city as a whole. Of the three classes, the gold souls posses the virtue of wisdom. The gold souls are the only class whose knowledge goes beyond the mere facts to the level of true wisdom. “…This class, which properly has a share in that knowledge which alone among the various kinds of knowledge ought to be called wisdom, has, as it seems, the fewest members by nature” (429a). The second virtue that Plato defines is courage, which in Greek terms is “Andreia”. Courage is the preservation of the opinion produced by law, through education...
Words: 1161 - Pages: 5
...science of right and wrong in human action.” (Boyle, 2009, Chapter 1, Living in a World of 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...
Words: 665 - Pages: 3
...ETH/316 June 23, 2014 Greg Ouellette Ethics Essay Ethics is the science of right and wrong in human action.” (Manias, 2013, Chapter 1, Ethics Applied). With the reading, we can find the similarities and differences between the three major approaches in normative ethics; virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This will be done by analyzing these ethical theories and by describing them along with presenting the facts on how each theory relates too ethics and morality. Personal experience will be used 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 Manias (2013), virtue ethics is considered at times an agent-based or character ethics. The viewpoint in your daily life is that you should try to cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. For example, finding a wallet with money in it, and returning it to the rightful owner is an act of virtue. As a mom, a proud moment was the day my daughter found a wallet in a buggy and ran to turn it in before the person had a chance to leave and it be stolen. She earned a $5.00 reward for it and she smiled for weeks. As we mature we are, as humans, programmed to understand...
Words: 637 - Pages: 3
...ETH/316 March 23, 2013 Dr. Michelle Kuamoo According to our book Basic Ethics the definition of a “virtue theory also known as virtue ethics is also sometimes called agent- based or character ethics” (Boylan, 2009, p. 133). This can be non-moral or moral. A non- moral example would be achieving excellence in whatever one may do. A personal experience that I have experience with virtue ethics is that when I played volleyball in middle school and I was the best player on the team. I always achieved excellence when I played. When you are the key player and your team is counting on you then all you want to do is strive to be the best. You don’t want to let your team down, you want to give it your all and you want the rest of the team to give it their all as well. “Utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action is morally right when the action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (Boylan, 2009, p. 153). A personal experience that I have had with utilitarianism is working in teams for school projects. We thought that doing the project one way was the right way until we turn it in and get a poor grade. The reason is that they wanted it done another way and the way that they wanted it done made more sense then the way that we did it. A good lesson that I learnt from this is that if you are having trouble with something then don’t hesitate to ask the teacher for help or if they can explain what exactly you...
Words: 357 - Pages: 2
...death in the face of financial trouble (Battin 588). Battin concludes that physician-performed euthanasia is not inherently morally wrong, but that the interfering factors of legal, financial, and time pressures can jeopardize decisions within that process (Battin 590). Aristotle’s model of virtue ethics revolves around the idea of eudaimonia, which is a particular kind of happiness that requires a life to be in balance. Achieving that sort of happiness means that an individual would also have the virtues of patience, courage, and temperance. However, a person suffering so greatly from illness that they request euthanasia could not ostensibly have eudaimonia, and so surely Aristotle would support the use of euthanasia to bring relief to that individual. Moreover, Aristotle also valued the good of the society as a whole over the good of the individual. Take for example the case of a patient who was so ill that they could only be kept alive by the most extreme means; the resources needed to sustain life in that patient would be taxing to provide, and the money used for a hopeless case would likely be better used elsewhere. In this case I believe Aristotle would support withdrawing life-saving treatment. Nonetheless, it is also true that Aristotle believes that “to seek death in order to escape from poverty, or the pangs of love, or from pain or sorrow, is not the act of a courageous man, but rather of a coward; for it is weakness to fly from troubles, and the suicide does not endure...
Words: 991 - Pages: 4
...Honesty Essay Honesty is a very abstract word. It is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as “adherence to the facts; refusal to lie, steal or deceive in any way.” But, what does ‘honesty’ exactly mean? Some would say that honesty means not telling lies, not committing crimes or living a life according to what law says. To be honest, it is a manifestation of the truth, and the facts behind are just a consequence of being honest. In a simple way, honesty is not only to tell the truth, but also to live the truth. Prior to taking this course I had the notion honesty was something that was done to keep one out of trouble. Growing up my parents would always tell me honesty is the policy and truth will set your free. I believe it is hard for any child to be completely honest due to fear of the repercussions of their actions. Honesty is a virtue that should be taught to all children to ensure that they will grow up and be honest productive members of society. According to (Dr. Robinson, 2015) It is wrong to take the property of others without their consent, or to get any advantage from them by deception to concealment, or any false contrivance (plan or scheme). He who does this, or attempts to do it, or even desires to do it, is not honest. This course has taught me that honesty and truth go hand in hand. I try and stay true to my morals and be honest and tell the truth in every aspect of my life. In a person relationship it is definitely important to be honest with each other...
Words: 612 - Pages: 3
...This would eventually be expanded when two virtues collide (Low, R 2014). Virtue Ethics wouldn’t tell us on which virtue would reign, thus making it hard to just follow one adherently. Part B I was having nights-out with my friends at a bar. By the end of the night, we got very intoxicated, except Brandon. As the only one with the car, I offered to send everyone home while being under the influence of alcohol. Brandon, a licensed and sober driver offered to drive but I persisted on driving instead. However, keeping in mind that it was midnight and the Police would be doing drunk drivers inspection, I decided to give in and let Brandon take responsibility of us. This was an ethical dilemma as I was in conflict with the law, which states that one should not drive if they are under the influence of Alcohol and the safety...
Words: 950 - Pages: 4
...By sinning against God, you are breaking the 10 commandments and the four Cardinal virtues. These are one of the most important rules God handed down to us and the least we can do is follow them. Now Mitch, if you vandalised the classroom, would you tell anyone? Mitch: If I vandalised someones classroom I wouldn’t dare to speak a word of it to anyone I would be far too embarrassed and I would hate to get in trouble with my parents or even the police! Matthew: Right then, that means you are breaking the 9th commandment by lying against your “Neighbours” that you didn’t vandalise. It is important that you follow these commandments as they are a major part of the bed rock in Christianity. Also, the four cardinal virtues are moral virtues and Prudence is the 1st being the most important. It allows us to judge correctly in a situation with multiple outcomes (Bible gateway, N.D.). So if you plan to participate with these boys, you are not exercising Prudence and your common sense. This means that you don’t know what is right from wrong which is a bad moral trait to have. If I was you, I wouldn’t go and I would let someone know about what the boys are planning...
Words: 1360 - Pages: 6
...Ethics also known as moral philosophy; it involves systemizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behavior(Michael, 2009). There are several different types of ethical belief systems, in which one would act completely different from the other. Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism, and Deontological ethics have some similarities, but in the same sense are very different. Virtue Ethics is a system that states; that in living your life you excel and be excellent in everything that you do, and all that others do(Michael, 2009). In a way, I can relate to that. Being taught that everything I do I had better do it to the best of my ability! When I was growing up failure was not an option. I still to this day strive to be better, at no matter what I am doing. This viewpoint has made me very competitive in almost every aspect of my life. Utilitarianism is a theory that states an action is morally right when the action is for the greater good of your group(Michael, 2009). Whether it be; your family, your job, or in some countries your town, or your village, whatever benefits all of them is right. I can relate to this being a father. I will provide for my family, and make sure that my actions benefit them. I am constantly putting my wants on the back burner to better suit my family. Deontology is a theory that states, it is your duty to do a certain action just because that action is considered the right thing to do, no matter what the outcome is(Michael...
Words: 434 - Pages: 2
...Question: Critically assess the common idea that women in traditional Chinese society were powerless over their own lives. Introduction This paper critically assesses the common idea of powerlessness over the lives of women in traditional Chinese society. The paper includes 4 parts: (A) Chinese words; (B) Confucianism and Women; (C) The Three Obediences and Four Virtues; (D) Women Traditional Treatment. In these 4 parts, the reasons why women would be oppressed and hectored in rural China would be investigated and how they were treated would be clearly revealed. (A)Chinese Words ------------------------------------------------- First, the concept of the value difference of male and female shown in the formation of Chinese words would be analyzed. Males are high-valued because of bringing good luck and fortune while females are low-valued because of bringing bad luck and troubles. In this section, some examples of Chinese characters will be analyzed to reveal the values, opinions and signification over women in traditional Chinese society. ------------------------------------------------- Chinese words (Hanzi) were created by the inspiration of the meaning behind, the sound of it, or the shape and appearance of it (Wikipedi ,2012). These are all shown in the structure of the words. Hanzi reflect the culture of China and emphasize the family- based relationships. (Linda, 2001) According to the first Chinese dictionary《爾雅》(Erya) published 2000 years ago, there...
Words: 2419 - Pages: 10
...University of Houston | Ethics Essay | ETH/316 | Leslie Hall | Hosea Johnson | 8/15/2013 | [Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document. Type the abstract of the document here. The abstract is typically a short summary of the contents of the document.] | In ethics there are three main theories that a person should know about the Theory of Virtue, the Utilitarianism theory, and the deontological ethics theory. First when discussing about the Virtue theory you will be basically emphasizing the virtues that someone’s character embodies and the role of that someone’s character to either determine or evaluate ethical behavior. Second of all when discussing utilitarianism it is a theory in ethics stating that the proper course of action is the one that maximizes utility, usually explained as reducing suffering of a person and maximizing that person’s happiness. Last but not least when discussing the deontological ethics or deontology for short it is the ethical position that judges the morality of an action depending on the action’s obedience to a rule or a set of rules. This theory is also occasionally depicted as an “obligation” or “rule” or “duty” based ethics because essentially rules bind you to your duties. While in high school I was always the guy everyone knew because I was pretty social but with that I still never had a circle of friends that I would hang around a lot I stayed...
Words: 582 - Pages: 3
