Eth 316 Ethics Theory

Ethics Theory

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ETH 316

February 11, 2015

Clement Stubstad

Ethics Theory

     Utilitarianism, deontological and virtue ethics are all different approaches to ethics theory.  All are principle rooted in right and wrong.  Ethics is simply stated the rules or standards that govern ones conduct with others or as it relates to their profession or the greater good.  Morals are what one believes is right and wrong.  These can be different between different cultures and different people of the same culture.  Morals are more in tune with how you were raised and your Environment and ethics are a list of standards that one must follow to do what is right.  

Ethics in General

     Virtue theory was developed by Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle around 400 B.C.  Its primary focus is on one’s character and relates to one’s behavior.  Virtue ethics are based on what one has become over time and how a person’s reacts to a given situation based on those experiences.  Utilitarianism is one of the most widely accepted and used ethical theories today.  Utilitarianism is the thought that one must be moral and do what is right for the largest amount of people.  Ethical decisions based on the greater good for all concerned.  Deontological places more weight on adherence to duties and responsibilities while analyzing your ethical decision.   Attorney, doctors and religions practice this style of ethical behavior (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013).  

     Virtue ethics focus is on how it effects one personally and Utilitarianism focus is on how it effects the largest amount of people.  Deontological are guided by rules and regulations of one’s profession or religious beliefs.  All theories have strong ties to one personal morality and how it relates to which theory or direction one will go in (Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013).

Personal Experience

     This authors personal experience with ethics are countless and constant.  As a Military policeman in peacetime or in combat, this author has had to abide by and interpret ethics.  This author has been involved in several shoot, don’t shoot situations over the years that required quick thinking and adhere to policy or rules of engagement.  For the most part military police are governed by a deontological ethical practice, but when faced with a shoot don’t shoot, one must also take into consideration how that decision effects the greater good (Utilitarianism), as well as how you personally feel about the act of taking a life (Virtue).  All these different ethical factors and rules of engagement guided this author through those life altering episodes.  One must be able to not only justify a life or death decision, one must also be able to live with it.