Ethical Theory Comparison Chart Paper
Associate Level Material
Ethical Theory Comparison Chart
Respond to the prompt for each of the five ethical theories listed. One section on each chart has been filled in as an example.
What is good? (1–2 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
Aristotle believed that we as humans have natural obligations that provide happiness. Happiness consists of pleasure and the capacity to develop reasoning.
For J.S. Mill, decreasing pain and increasing pleasure is good. However, not all pleasure is the same. Mill argues that intellectual pleasures are superior to bodily pleasures (Mill, Utilitarianism, Chapter 2).
Rationality seperates us from others. The ability to think …show more content…
rational will help us in making the right choices/
The right and wrong of acts depend on the consequences that will follow. We look at a means for an end.
We can find good when helping others. It makes them happy as well as we feel a satisfaction of knowing they are happy.
What path or rule do you follow to achieve the good? (1–2 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
For Aristotle, virtue is the way to achieve the good. Moral virtue is a state of character and can only be acquired by habit. In other words, we need to practice being morally virtuous in order to be virtuous. Aristotle describes moral virtue as a mean. We act morally, if we do the right thing, at the right time, “with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right motive and in the right way” (Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, 1 and 6; see also Moore and Bruder, 2011, p. 265).
The greatest good for the greatest number. According to Mill Utilitarianism evauluates the consequences, good and bad that will deternine what will bring the most of the decision that we make.
I believe that when making a decision it is important to look at all the pros and cons. Respect others so that in return I will receive respect. Treat others the way I want to be treated.
In order to be happy you must do things that will make you happy. The choices we make depends on what our happiness consists of.
We feel good about helping others in need. Helping others can show that there are people in the world that care about the nature of others.
Assumptions or requirements (2–4 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
It is wrong and unfair to assume the worst in people without first knowing the truths that lie within them. Men/women are responsible for the moral decisions (right/wrong) that they make.
Mill said that there are some kinds of pleasures that are more desirable and valuable to different individuals. Pleasures are dependent on quality and quantity. Mill was accused of deducing that people desire their own happiness before the happiness of others. (Nicomachean ethics, book 1, chapter 4).
According to Kant we are unable to logically lie and want truth to remain intact. Logical thinking comes logical choices in decision making.
The first assumption is that after all is said and done, only the results of our actions remain, therefore, the results are what a moral theory should focus on.
The second assumption is that we love others as much as we love ourselves. This assumption means that we will act to promote the overall good, so long as that action “does not hurt others more” (Haines, 2006).
We need to work together in order to provide justice in the world. Caring for others can open up the hearts and minds of all individuals that will also provide pleasure and respect of being able to help others in need.
Simon Weil made the comment that “ the soul empties itself of all its own contents in order to receive into itself the being it is looking at” (1977,p51).
Provide an example of how this ethical theory might work (5 or more sentences) I feel that virtue ethics can be the best choice that we use when it come s to ethical theories. We as humans make the choices that we feel will be the best for us. Being virtuous provides a path for us to be wise, happy, and help us to act in all situations. If, I make the choice to follow the rules then I will be happy and wise in other decisions that I make in future situations. I am the person that I am because of the choices that I make in my life that provides me with happiness.
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
Each person is responsible for themselves. I made the decision to choose another job that I would feel less stress and get enjoyment and happiness from not being stressed out everyday.
According to Mill, one should not strive for individual happiness, that happiness for others as well as yourself. People that are honest and reasonable accept utilitarianism ethics by having the desire to be happy and acceptable.
Deal with moral dilemmas in a fair and rational way. Rationality gives us the capacity to know right from wrong.
Look at the truth, meanings and intentions of actions and treat all others equally.
How a person acts in a moment, acting on a response but doing it with the morally right responses.
Promote freedom and survival.
Consequentialism looks at consequences and decides on actions that will be of help for the greater amounts of people.
My best friend comes to me asking for advice. She is having problems in her marriage and just found out she is pregnant. Due to the economic downturn, she may lose her job in the coming months. Her relationship with her husband is strained and is having a serious emotional toll on her. She is considering an abortion. I am the carer and she is the cared-for. I do not consider her unborn child because my friend is the one in immediate pain or peril. I recommend counseling. I also try and gently ask questions to see what options she has and what she has thought about. I do not tell her what I think she should do in this case or what I think is right or wrong. I only ask how I can help her.
Works Cited:
Moore, B. N., & Bruder, K. (2011) Philosophy: The power of ideas. (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.
Ethical Theory Comparison Chart
Respond to the prompt for each of the five ethical theories listed. One section on each chart has been filled in as an example.
What is good? (1–2 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
Aristotle believed that we as humans have natural obligations that provide happiness. Happiness consists of pleasure and the capacity to develop reasoning.
For J.S. Mill, decreasing pain and increasing pleasure is good. However, not all pleasure is the same. Mill argues that intellectual pleasures are superior to bodily pleasures (Mill, Utilitarianism, Chapter 2).
Rationality seperates us from others. The ability to think …show more content…
rational will help us in making the right choices/
The right and wrong of acts depend on the consequences that will follow. We look at a means for an end.
We can find good when helping others. It makes them happy as well as we feel a satisfaction of knowing they are happy.
What path or rule do you follow to achieve the good? (1–2 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
For Aristotle, virtue is the way to achieve the good. Moral virtue is a state of character and can only be acquired by habit. In other words, we need to practice being morally virtuous in order to be virtuous. Aristotle describes moral virtue as a mean. We act morally, if we do the right thing, at the right time, “with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right motive and in the right way” (Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, 1 and 6; see also Moore and Bruder, 2011, p. 265).
The greatest good for the greatest number. According to Mill Utilitarianism evauluates the consequences, good and bad that will deternine what will bring the most of the decision that we make.
I believe that when making a decision it is important to look at all the pros and cons. Respect others so that in return I will receive respect. Treat others the way I want to be treated.
In order to be happy you must do things that will make you happy. The choices we make depends on what our happiness consists of.
We feel good about helping others in need. Helping others can show that there are people in the world that care about the nature of others.
Assumptions or requirements (2–4 sentences)
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
It is wrong and unfair to assume the worst in people without first knowing the truths that lie within them. Men/women are responsible for the moral decisions (right/wrong) that they make.
Mill said that there are some kinds of pleasures that are more desirable and valuable to different individuals. Pleasures are dependent on quality and quantity. Mill was accused of deducing that people desire their own happiness before the happiness of others. (Nicomachean ethics, book 1, chapter 4).
According to Kant we are unable to logically lie and want truth to remain intact. Logical thinking comes logical choices in decision making.
The first assumption is that after all is said and done, only the results of our actions remain, therefore, the results are what a moral theory should focus on.
The second assumption is that we love others as much as we love ourselves. This assumption means that we will act to promote the overall good, so long as that action “does not hurt others more” (Haines, 2006).
We need to work together in order to provide justice in the world. Caring for others can open up the hearts and minds of all individuals that will also provide pleasure and respect of being able to help others in need.
Simon Weil made the comment that “ the soul empties itself of all its own contents in order to receive into itself the being it is looking at” (1977,p51).
Provide an example of how this ethical theory might work (5 or more sentences) I feel that virtue ethics can be the best choice that we use when it come s to ethical theories. We as humans make the choices that we feel will be the best for us. Being virtuous provides a path for us to be wise, happy, and help us to act in all situations. If, I make the choice to follow the rules then I will be happy and wise in other decisions that I make in future situations. I am the person that I am because of the choices that I make in my life that provides me with happiness.
Aristotle – Virtue Ethics
Mill – Utilitarianism
Kant – Deontology
Consequentialism
Noddings – Care Ethics
Each person is responsible for themselves. I made the decision to choose another job that I would feel less stress and get enjoyment and happiness from not being stressed out everyday.
According to Mill, one should not strive for individual happiness, that happiness for others as well as yourself. People that are honest and reasonable accept utilitarianism ethics by having the desire to be happy and acceptable.
Deal with moral dilemmas in a fair and rational way. Rationality gives us the capacity to know right from wrong.
Look at the truth, meanings and intentions of actions and treat all others equally.
How a person acts in a moment, acting on a response but doing it with the morally right responses.
Promote freedom and survival.
Consequentialism looks at consequences and decides on actions that will be of help for the greater amounts of people.
My best friend comes to me asking for advice. She is having problems in her marriage and just found out she is pregnant. Due to the economic downturn, she may lose her job in the coming months. Her relationship with her husband is strained and is having a serious emotional toll on her. She is considering an abortion. I am the carer and she is the cared-for. I do not consider her unborn child because my friend is the one in immediate pain or peril. I recommend counseling. I also try and gently ask questions to see what options she has and what she has thought about. I do not tell her what I think she should do in this case or what I think is right or wrong. I only ask how I can help her.
Works Cited:
Moore, B. N., & Bruder, K. (2011) Philosophy: The power of ideas. (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill.