Ethics Essay
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 I will briefly discuss 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 character-based ethics 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 all you do, in your personal and professional lives. Utilitarianism focuses on whether or not an action has beneficial consequences. Some may perceive this moral theory to be selfish because you are not looking out for self but for the greater good of everyone. On the other hand deontology deals solemnly on if the action is morally right, the consequences can be harmful to the majority but can still be considered morally correct in society’s