systems debated today are utilitarianism and deontology. These two traditions parallel the sayings “the ends justify the means” or “the means justify the ends”. Inspired by Jeremy Bentham’s philosophies‚ John Stuart Mill applied his ideals to his many pamphlets and short works regarding Utilitarianism. This philosophy considers that the best thing to do ethically for a society is to maximize its happiness‚ interests‚ preference‚ or well-being. In effect‚ utilitarianism focuses on outcomes or the
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Deontology Deontology steps in where utilitarianism fails‚ utilitarianism fails in the idea that there are absolutely morally forbidden actions. But‚ in reality‚ even the worst actions are not always wrong‚ given extreme circumstances. Deontology is all about duty and moral laws. For instance‚ if a person does a good act‚ and it has a good outcome‚ from a utilitarianistic view‚ this person was right. However‚ in deontological view‚ this person is only right if the decision was made or action
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When comparing virtue theory‚ utilitarianism and deontological ethics‚ you must look at the similarities and the differences. Each idea has many key points; virtue theory is defined as your personal behavioral characteristics. If you are a good person‚ your values will be good values. Utilitarianism believes that if your action is right‚ it will promote happiness and if it is a wrong action the reverse will occur (West‚ n.d.). Deontology is considered morally right because of
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example‚ outline the basic tenets of an Aristotelean approach to justice (in your answer‚ be sure to show how it differs from modern theories of justice). Of the four “Negative Evaluations” of Virtue Ethics (see handout)‚ which do you think is the most serious? Why? Which theory – virtue ethics‚ utilitarianism‚ Kantian morality -- in your view‚ is the most convincing (you must select one)? Why? [20 marks] • Note: the most convincing answers are those that explain the main tenets the theory (e.g
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Ethics Essay Rhonda Mayer ETH 316 December 2‚ 2012 Renae Szad The main goal of any ethical theory is to do what ’s right and good. All theories involve following moral rules or acting in accordance with chosen ethical values. Sometimes what is right and good‚ the rules‚ or the values are common to different theories. There is overlap in the theories that result in the same conduct in a moral situation although for different reasons under the different applicable theories
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Deontology assesses the morality of an act based on the action’s obedience to the law. People are more focused on how an act that fulfills or breaks a rule affects them. Deontologists maintain that the rightness or wrongness of an action does not adhere to its consequences. On a deontological account‚ to act rightly‚ we must comport our conduct with certain principles‚ and we must act from morally pure motivations. Deontology is almost the opposite of utilitarianism. The main difference between deontology
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Deontology A maxim is a personal rule we follow to do the right thing. Following the rule of a moral law is something a rational human being does according to Kant. There are two types of rules the Hypothetical rule and the categorical rule. The hypothetical rule is if I do “this” then “this” will happen as a result. I will be focusing on the categorical rule though. That is a moral law that is universal; it commands us or obligates us to follow it absolutely with no exceptions. I will be discussing
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Utilitarianism is concerned about the results of an action‚ while Kantian ethics is focused about the moral duties‚ Virtue ethics on the other hand place an emphasis on the development of a good moral character. Unlike the first two ethical theories‚ virtue ethics is not a theory about what makes an action right. It answers the question‚ “What kind of individual should I be?” and “What kind of characters are necessary to live a virtuous life? Virtue ethics can be tracked back from the ancient Greek
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Confucianism and Utilitarianism Comparing and contrasting these two ethical theories was quite difficult at times‚ mainly because they tend to be so contrasting that the two seem completely unalike. Especially when the two share a time difference of a couple millenniums from when they were created. This makes it quite easy to locate differences between the two‚ but for a quality paper that accounts for about only half of what to write. It took some time and extensive research to find what these two
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1. What are the key differences between utilitarianism‚ deontology‚ natural law ethics‚ and virtue theory? Utilitarianism Theory is the moral theory that argues that an action is right if and only if it conforms to the principle of utility. The desire for pleasure and happiness is universal. People seek to maximize their pleasure and minimize their pain. Thus‚ a morally correct action is one which results in the greatest possible pleasure within a given set of circumstances. The text highlights
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