Ethics Essay
Ethics Essay ETH 316
Tammy Matthews
September 24, 2012
Ethics Essay
First we want to take a look at Virtue Ethics, also known as Virtue Theory. This theory shows the focus of the character of people more than the rules and consequences of their actions. What this essentially means is that the focus is primarily on whether or not the person acting Virtue Theory, ethically is a person who upholds high morals and virtues, in turn expressing “good character” (Boylan, 2005). As Garrett explains in the text, there are things such as rules, intent, and consequences, and outcomes that are not irrelevant; yet, the focus on the theory is basically the person’s character, virtues, and good intentions (Boylan, 2009). Next is Deontology, which is slightly different from the virtue theory in that it has a heavy focus on the duty in action, in connection to the rules. Making the right action or choice is the importance in this theory. When this action is completed it should show the best benefits to everyone involved. This theory is similar to utilitarianism theory which will be discussed next. So with that said deontology is more of about a person having the will to follow rules and keeping the right principles. The last theory to be discussed is utilitarianism, this theory has the focus on the consequences of the greatest good (Boylan, 2009). This theory can be a benefit to any and every type of person. This theory is basically the consequence of all actions should be good to any one that is involved in the matter. The similarities between the theories are based on the same line and not far off from each other. The basic similarity is consequences of actions and doing right as a person. Even though the full focuses are consequences, it is not the primary focus of the actions. In all three theories, the actions are expected and
Tammy Matthews
September 24, 2012
Ethics Essay
First we want to take a look at Virtue Ethics, also known as Virtue Theory. This theory shows the focus of the character of people more than the rules and consequences of their actions. What this essentially means is that the focus is primarily on whether or not the person acting Virtue Theory, ethically is a person who upholds high morals and virtues, in turn expressing “good character” (Boylan, 2005). As Garrett explains in the text, there are things such as rules, intent, and consequences, and outcomes that are not irrelevant; yet, the focus on the theory is basically the person’s character, virtues, and good intentions (Boylan, 2009). Next is Deontology, which is slightly different from the virtue theory in that it has a heavy focus on the duty in action, in connection to the rules. Making the right action or choice is the importance in this theory. When this action is completed it should show the best benefits to everyone involved. This theory is similar to utilitarianism theory which will be discussed next. So with that said deontology is more of about a person having the will to follow rules and keeping the right principles. The last theory to be discussed is utilitarianism, this theory has the focus on the consequences of the greatest good (Boylan, 2009). This theory can be a benefit to any and every type of person. This theory is basically the consequence of all actions should be good to any one that is involved in the matter. The similarities between the theories are based on the same line and not far off from each other. The basic similarity is consequences of actions and doing right as a person. Even though the full focuses are consequences, it is not the primary focus of the actions. In all three theories, the actions are expected and
References: Boylan, M. (2009). Basic Ethics. (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.