Theories of Ethics
Ethics Essay
ETH/316
May 28th, 2012
Ethics Essay
There are many differences and similarities between ethical theories, such as virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In this paper you will find more differences than similarities, as each theory has a definite characteristic to in that defines it. Along with that you will also find some similarities on how they connect thru morals. Utilitarianism is my favorite, because it is defined as putting the good of other people before you. A good example of this would be an athlete that has been playing for his hometown team since college, and has an offer to go and play for a team that is much better, but realizes that if he was to leave that his team would be left for the wolves. A person that believes in the utilitarianism theory would stay and play for the team money aside, because they love the game and knows that the team needs them, therefore putting the good of the team before their own good. Utilitarianism theory “suggests that an action is morally right when that an action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (M. Boylan pg 153).
Deontology is a moral theory that dictates the action, just because the action itself is inherently right, without the use of any other calculations. Take the consequences of the action for example. Deontology is sometimes referenced with utilitarianism, because it is designed to bring about the greatest aggregate utility. This is where we see the difference between deontology and utilitarianism, as deontology is based on principle. The principle is justified through an understanding of the structure of action, and do not justify itself by calculating consequences. Deontology is based on moral commands, and not being concerned with the consequences, whereas utilitarianism takes the consequences into consideration, and does what is best for everyone, knowing how the consequences will affect everyone. Deontology is based
ETH/316
May 28th, 2012
Ethics Essay
There are many differences and similarities between ethical theories, such as virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In this paper you will find more differences than similarities, as each theory has a definite characteristic to in that defines it. Along with that you will also find some similarities on how they connect thru morals. Utilitarianism is my favorite, because it is defined as putting the good of other people before you. A good example of this would be an athlete that has been playing for his hometown team since college, and has an offer to go and play for a team that is much better, but realizes that if he was to leave that his team would be left for the wolves. A person that believes in the utilitarianism theory would stay and play for the team money aside, because they love the game and knows that the team needs them, therefore putting the good of the team before their own good. Utilitarianism theory “suggests that an action is morally right when that an action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative” (M. Boylan pg 153).
Deontology is a moral theory that dictates the action, just because the action itself is inherently right, without the use of any other calculations. Take the consequences of the action for example. Deontology is sometimes referenced with utilitarianism, because it is designed to bring about the greatest aggregate utility. This is where we see the difference between deontology and utilitarianism, as deontology is based on principle. The principle is justified through an understanding of the structure of action, and do not justify itself by calculating consequences. Deontology is based on moral commands, and not being concerned with the consequences, whereas utilitarianism takes the consequences into consideration, and does what is best for everyone, knowing how the consequences will affect everyone. Deontology is based