...Ethics Essay Ethics, according to dictionary.com, is the branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions. Or as the textbook states, ethics is the science concerning the “right and wrong” of human action. This paper will be discussing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. There will be a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality. It will contain a personal experience to help explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. The three main views of the normative ethics theory is virtue ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. Virtue ethics focuses on the virtues, or moral character, while deontological focuses on duties and rules, and utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of ones actions. Virtue ethics is called agent based or character ethics, as well. According to the textbook, when using the virtue ethics approach, one should take the viewpoint that in living their life they should try to cultivate excellence in all that they do (Boylan, 2009). Virtue ethics suggests that people should develop their character so that they will lead a good life. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism. This means that the moral worth of an action is determined...
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...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...
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...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...
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...Ethics comparison essay Michael Njus ETH316 June 23, 2014 Aubrey Weekes Ethics comparison essay INTRODUCTION This paper will take a look at three different theories of ethics. The three theories are deontological, utilitarianism and virtue theory. The basics of ethics theories are similar in the fact that they are all a set of rules that govern what is deemed to be right or wrong, the following will define each and attempt to point out some differences in the theories. Deontological ethics, are ethical theories that place special emphasis on the relationship between duty and the morality of human actions. Deontology (Greek deon, “duty,” and logos, “science”) consequently focuses on logic and ethics (Encyclopedia Britannica, 2014) Utilitarianism is a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number. (Merriam Webster, 2014) Virtue ethics is a broad term for theories that emphasize the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather than either doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. (Athanassoulis, 2014) While the aim of all three theories is that we should strive to do what is right, the length that we should go to and who they would affect is the main difference in the three. The main difference...
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...a greater knowledge and appreciation of these concepts. The content of this paper will consider the differences and similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics theories, and address how each theory address ethics and morality. In addition, I will reflect on my personal experience through which I will expound on the association between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific of the three theories. In order to fully comprehend virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, one must begin with a descriptive knowledge of each ethical theory. Virtue theory accepts that a person will seek excellence and encourage others to seek it as well. The teachings of Greek philosopher Aristotle suggest that virtue implicates effective moral character and promotes sound judgment in resolving moral issues (Boylan, 2009). Human beings are social creatures; the application of moral ethics is located in the framework of a particular society. In a related manner, utilitarianism mandates that individuals behave in a way that is in morally appropriate for the benefit of many; maximizing overall contentment within a society. Boylan (2009) suggest that 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, p 153). Deontological ethics imply that individuals should conform to their commitments and responsibilities...
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...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...
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...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...
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...significant approaches in normative ethics such as quality ethics, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism. This paper is going to evaluate the resemblances and variations between quality concept, utilitarianism, and deontological principles. It will include information of the variations in how each concept details ethics and morality and it will also talk about an experience to describe the relationship between quality, principles, and ethical principles as their associate with one of the three principles. Differences in How These Theories Address Ethics and Morality Virtue ethics emphasizes on virtues rather than the rules or consequences whereas deontology emphasizes on duties and their adherence to rules, and utilitarianism puts more emphasizes on the consequences of an action while considering what action creates the greatest good for the most. In our weekly readings we found that virtue ethics is also known as an agent based or character ethical theory (Boylan, 2009). In using this approach one must look to do well in all that they do in life. This theory is where many believe in the old saying, “do unto others as you would be done by”. When we look at utilitarianism we see that it sets its strength on the consequences of a moral action and its outcome. According to Boylan (2009), utilitarianism sets that an action is morally right when the action produces more total utility for the group that any other alternative. In this ethical theory one is forced to consider...
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...ethics paper Ethics Essay Curtis Menezes ETH/316 April 11, 2013 Kevin Burke Ethics Essay When discussing similarities and differences of virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, one will notice that the differences outweigh the similarities. Utilitarianism states that an action is in the right but only if it stays true to the principle of utility. Deontological ethics is a little different as it's basis of right and wrong has to do with nothing else that an individual's duty. The virtue theory is based on the two types of virtue which are intellectual and moral(Fahey, 2010). Utilitarianism was founded in the Victorian era by Jeremy Bentham. Bentham came up with this idea because he wanted to have a way for people to have the ability to be as happy as possible, and in doing a morally correct action it would make that person feel good which would give a sense of happiness. Deontological ethics can be seen in a quite different light. this theory is based on the duty of an individual. it could be used during a war because in any other time it is wrong to kill, but during a war if one kills because it is the duty of a soldier then that makes it ok and in most cases morally correct (Fahey, 2010). The virtue theory is more modern and ethical. Like utilitarianism it was invented to bring happiness, but it has more freedoms along with it. the virtue theory lets the individual become the one in charge and decide from learning what is morally correct...
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...Ethics Essay Richard Dunn II ETH/316 October 9, 2013 Jacquelin Donaldson Ethics Essay Virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics can be basically summed up as an honorable standard that a good person should live by. These theories have some differences but also have some similarities. This paper will examine the differences and similarities between the virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics. The differences between the theories would be the way people are judged. Virtue theory is based on a person’s character. It looks at the overall character of a person to see if that person is respectable, honorable and virtuous. Utilitarianism and deontological ethics does not overlook the character of a person but focuses more on a person’s actions. If a person’s action are of a good-natured manner and help everyone not just self that person can be considered a respectable, honorable and virtuous. The similarities between the theories is that they all setup a guideline that an honorable person can live amongst others. If a person has good character he/she is seen as virtuous under the virtue theory. If a person’s actions are virtuous and help others around him/her under utilitarianism deontological that person would then be considered as virtuous. In my life I believe that virtue, values and moral concepts are a combination off all three theories. I believe if a person has good character then that person’s actions are of a good nature. I believe that...
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...ETH/ 316 Ethics Essay Cha Xiong March 12, 2013 Ethics Essay Ethics played a very important role in our lives. While we were growing up, we have been taught on what is right and what is wrong. People from different parts of the world practice different cultures, religions, beliefs, 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...
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...Ethics and Social Responsibility ETH/316 Ethics and Social Responsibility In today’s society, cultural and ethical development is fundamental. There are numerous theoretical methodologies; although different each shares very similar concepts. Comprehending these similarities and differences provide one with greater understanding and gratefulness of these concepts. This paper will elaborate on the differences and similarities involving virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Also addressing how each theory deals with ethics and morality. In addition, I will reflect on my personal experience through which I will expound on the association between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one specific of the three theories. A description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality is as followed. Virtue theory is different to the other two normative theories; utilitarianism and deontology (Weineck, 2007). Virtue theory centers more on the person, and their traits, as opposed to just observing an action that was carried out. Virtue ethics can be seen as an ethics of individual improvement. People can acquire virtues over time, and so in theory, mature into a respectable human. 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). Utilitarianism is holding to the views that the right actions will produce the...
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...University of Phoenix Material Student Name: ___ Facilitator: __ Ethical Theory Comparison of Ethical Theories Utilitarianism Ethics Deontological Ethics Virtue Ethics Definition “Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds that an action is right if it produces, or if it tends to produce, the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people affected by the action. Otherwise the action is wrong. According to utilitarianism, we should evaluate an action by looking at its consequences, weighing the good effects against the bad effects on all the people affected by it. If the good outweighs the bad, it tends to be a good action; if the bad outweighs the good, it tends to be a bad action” (DeGeorge, R. T. (2005). “The deontological approach to ethics denies the utilitarian claim that morality of an action depends on its consequences. Deontologists maintain that actions are morally right or wrong independent of their consequences. Moral rightness and wrongness are basic and ultimate moral terms. The deontological approach is not dependent on good and the production of, or the failure to produce, good. A person’s duty is to do what is morally right and to avoid what is morally wrong, regardless of the consequences. “Virtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in normative ethics. It may, initially, be identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach which emphasizes duties or rules (deontology)...
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...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...
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...Ethic Essay Virtue ethics is a choice of what the outcome will become. It would be the best choice for yourself even it would break a law or rule. It's what you believe in; that will benefit you after you realize it will cause you dearly also. It will also boost your morality. It's like breaking to a nightclub without paying the entrance fee and never got caught. For this situation, you can able to save the money and spend it on drinks instead of paying to enter only. Utilitarianism is a part of virtue ethics, and this could be a non-moral situation. It avoids suffering in which rightful or wrongful will be a result of some consequences. This ethics is for the greatness of numbers. It more relates to a religious-like Christianity. They decide to believe in happiness even it's against the religious law, and the consequences are not healthy. An example is to lie at to anyone to have happiness in life or for a better life. In medicine, it has its cure but will have its side effect. The cure is more important for most people than thinking about the side effect of the medicine. Deontological ethics is against utilitarianism. It's all about the rule in either they suffer or not the needs to follow. Following your duties is the correct moral rule. If you don't do your duty, you will be immorally behaving. Society and religion make their rules that need to be followed even it will have suffered. Some examples are food; we have to kill a living thing to live. These living things are...
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