Ethics Essay

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Recommended: Contrast deontological and utilitarianism

Human beings are confronted with numerous issues throughout his or her lifetime that would require him or her to examine the best action to take to avoid the damaging consequences. In most cases, individuals restrain his or her action to take into consideration the consequences that may lead to the right or wrong behavior. One’s ethical and moral standards are first learned at an early age from his or her culture, how he or she is raised, religious background, and social system. Scientifically, there are various ethical theories, such as the virtue theory, deontological ethics, and utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009). By understanding these theories one can compare, contrast and uncover the reasoning behind his or her ethical and moral standards. Virtue theory defines what it takes to be a good person and above all else one’s character matters most (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2014). This theory focuses on the person’s moral character rather than duties. A virtuous person is someone who acts just in situations throughout his or her lifetime because of their good character (Boylan, 2009, p. 133-139). An example of a virtuous person would be a priest. A virtuous person does not act to gain favors, but only to do their duty. Individuals who practice virtue theory ponders questions like; how should one live, what is a good life or what are proper social and family values. The deontological ethics approach accentuates one’s duty to rules (Encyclopaedia Britannica, 2014, para. 1). The morality of an action is based on following rules. The “rules” help guide individuals morally in decision making. Therefore, the person should make a moral choice as long as he or she sticks to the guidelines. The third approach is the utilitarianism,... ... middle of paper ... ... theory because I knew my friend needed immediate medical attention. The fear of breaking the law by getting a ticket was no longer an issue because the outcome was for the greater of good. Virtue theory, deontological ethics and utilitarianism addresses ethics and morality. Each theory has different views and also many similarities. When an individual is faced with a choice to make a right or wrong decision, they must rely on these theories to make the proper choice. Works Cited Boylan, M. (2009). Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson. Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2014). Deontological ethics. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/158162/deontological-ethics Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2014). Virtue ethics. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/1162994/virtue-ethics

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