Consequentialism, Non- Consequentialism, Virtue Ethics and Care Ethics

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Introduction This essay will provide a theoretical understanding of the four ethical frameworks: Consequentialism, Non- Consequentialism, Virtue Ethics and Care Ethics. When applied to a situation these frameworks help teachers to resolve and justify their decision making. The objective is to apply the four frameworks to the scenario Helping Molly, to establish the most ethical course of action. Finally, a recommended course of action will be justification. The overarching ethical issue present within the Helping Molly scenario is the community sponsorship and the alignment with school beliefs and initiatives. Consequentialism Consequentialism is an ethical perspective that primarily focuses upon the consequences resulting from an action and aims to eliminate the negative consequences. Within this framework there are three sub-categories: Egoism, Altruism and Utilitarianism. Egoism Egoism considers the best outcome for the decision maker. From an egoist perspective the most favourable outcome for the teacher to do is minimise the stress and conflict of possible outcomes in his/her life. It is therefore in the teachers’ best interest to not upset the principle, to align a similar view to her and not accept the offer of further promotion of funding. Altruism Altruism perspective looks at the outcomes best for everyone excluding the decision maker. From this perspective it is important that the negative outcomes are minimised for the school, its students and Molly. From this perspective, the best outcome for the students and Molly is to give them a chance to develop their musical skills. The outcome best for the school is to be able to justify the sponsorship for Molly by reaping the benefits as a whole ... ... middle of paper ... ... for the teacher is a productive learning environment where student needs are being catered for. Works Cited Burgh, G., Field, T., Freakley, M. (2006) Ethics and the Community of Inquiry: Education for the Deliberative Democracy. Thomson Social Science Press: South Melbourne. Sammel, A. (2010). Lecture Three. Focusing on Virtue and Care Ethics. Griffith University: Gold Coast. Smith, M.K. (2004). The ethics of care and education. The encyclopaedia of informal education, Retrieved from www.infed.org/thinkers/noddings.html Queensland Government Education Queensland. (1998). Health and Physical Education. Retrieved July 14, 2010 from http://education.qld.gov.au/curriculu m/area/hpe/index.html United Nations. (2010). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Retrieved July 9, 2010, from http://www.un.org/en/documents/udhr/index.shtml

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