Eth316 Week 1 Individual
ETH316 WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT
John Sisk
ETH316
Nov 7, 2012
Edward D’Avola
ETH316 WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT
Ethics theories
Virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics are similar in that they each represent how morality and ethics is judged. They differ by judging different aspects of what is right or best. Each has a unique definition and can be used in different situations to determine if decisions were made ethically (Boylan, 2009).
Virtue theory Virtue ethics is the view that you should try cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. Physicians’ continuing education on the latest procedures in order to best serve their patients would be an example of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is a way to look at someone’s character development over a period of time a project, career or perhaps a lifetime (Boylan, 2009).
Utilitarianism
Putting the good of the group ahead of an individual is utilitarianism. Where virtue ethics judges individual achievements, utilitarianism says the individual acts ethically if their actions benefit the group even though it may not be good for everyone. When offered a promotion at work if one was to step aside and suggest another that may be better suited for the job would be an example of utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009).
Deontological
There is not one single deontological theory but Kant is held as the standard by many. Deontological ethics judges morality based on one’s obedience to rules. Kant believed that nothing in the world could be good without qualification except good will, therefore, deontology suggest that all actions must be measured by their adherence to rules or duty and not the effects they produce.
Personal experience A patient with a serious medical issue had multiple appointments at our office and each time would use abusive language and accuse the staff of not caring for her. The situation was uncomfortable for everyone involved that the physician did not feel like we would be able to
John Sisk
ETH316
Nov 7, 2012
Edward D’Avola
ETH316 WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT
Ethics theories
Virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics are similar in that they each represent how morality and ethics is judged. They differ by judging different aspects of what is right or best. Each has a unique definition and can be used in different situations to determine if decisions were made ethically (Boylan, 2009).
Virtue theory Virtue ethics is the view that you should try cultivate excellence in all that you do and all that others do. Physicians’ continuing education on the latest procedures in order to best serve their patients would be an example of virtue ethics. Virtue ethics is a way to look at someone’s character development over a period of time a project, career or perhaps a lifetime (Boylan, 2009).
Utilitarianism
Putting the good of the group ahead of an individual is utilitarianism. Where virtue ethics judges individual achievements, utilitarianism says the individual acts ethically if their actions benefit the group even though it may not be good for everyone. When offered a promotion at work if one was to step aside and suggest another that may be better suited for the job would be an example of utilitarianism (Boylan, 2009).
Deontological
There is not one single deontological theory but Kant is held as the standard by many. Deontological ethics judges morality based on one’s obedience to rules. Kant believed that nothing in the world could be good without qualification except good will, therefore, deontology suggest that all actions must be measured by their adherence to rules or duty and not the effects they produce.
Personal experience A patient with a serious medical issue had multiple appointments at our office and each time would use abusive language and accuse the staff of not caring for her. The situation was uncomfortable for everyone involved that the physician did not feel like we would be able to
References: Boylan, M. (2009). Basic ethics (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.