Reflective Essay: Different Types Of Virtue Ethics

Virtue is defined as moral excellence and righteousness, or goodness. A person of virtue is someone that has high moral standards. It can also be one’s characteristic such as patience. Virtue is based on one’s behavior while other ethical theories are based on one’s actions. There are differences in virtue ethics, consequentialism, and deontology.

Virtue ethics “focuses on the inherent character of a person rather than on the nature or consequences of specific actions performed” (philosophybasics.com). I believe that I practice this type of ethics. Overall, I try to be a good person of moral character, who is kind and does not think ill will towards anyone. I am someone’s mother, daughter, friend, and companion. I try to be and do the best that I can in each role that I have. Although we all go through obstacles in life, my life for the most part has been filled with love, kindness, and positivity. I do more for others than I do for myself. I know how to give and I rarely take. This type of virtuous attitude has led me to happiness and I live a very good life.

Consequentialism is an ethical theory that believes good or bad consequences determine its morality.

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism that theorizes an action is as good as how many people it serves. These theories are all based on the outcome of one’s actions which differs from virtue ethics. In my opinion, this type of theory may not have a favorable result as it may suggest. For example, if a person robbed a bank to get money to support his family, there would be a good consequence. This man would be able to provide food and shelter for his family. In utilitarianism, or consequentialism, “the rightness or wrongness of an act or rule is solely a matter of overall nonmoral good produced in the consequences of doing that act or following that rule”

(equip.org).
Another type of ethical theory is deontology. This theory focuses on the rightness and wrongness of a person’s actions. Deontology theorizes one’s sense of duty in regards to actions. Our decisions should be based on what our duty is to do the right thing rather than what consequences it may bring. In my opinion, this type of theory can somewhat be comparable to virtue ethics because a “sense of duty” is usually a virtuous characteristic. For example, as a medical professional, I see many elderly people that are not in good health. Whether they have heart problems or cancer, it is my sense of duty to help them the best way I know how. Not only in my profession but as a person, if I saw someone needing help—I help. One’s sense of duty can vary depending on the situation. Our “duties” can include being selfless, generous, helpful, and patient.
All these theories are considered normative ethics. These principles are based on the establishing how things should or ought to be, how to value them, which things are good and bad, and which actions are right and wrong. It attempts to develop a set of rules governing human conduct, or a set of norms for action (philosphybasics.com).