Ethics Essay

Ethics Essay

Darlene Traci Kepner

Ethics/316

December 1, 2015

Randy Caffee

Ethics Essay

In comparing the similarities and differences between virtue, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics, we must define each theory.  The theories are designed to express the relationship of what is proper and just within our society, each of the theories is different and yet they have common morals.  For example, a deontological theory is duty based or rule based.  Utilitarianism is character or quality of spirit, while virtue is the ability to act or quality of traits or behaviors.  Each theory is ethical principles that require a sense of moral rights and wrongs.  The theories are designed to express the relationship of what is proper and just within our society according to our course of action or thought process.  The “Utilitarianism holds that the morally right course of action in any situation is the one that, when compared to all other possible actions, will produce the greatest balance of benefits over costs for everyone affected.”  (p. 78) Then we have Virtue the honorable characteristics of our personality that is revealed in the person’s routine or manners.

Deontological

Deontological is defined according to Manias, Monroe, & Till, 2013: “Kant’s deontology is moral rights and wrongs on self-derived, universal, moral duties determined through reason and intuition.” (p. 772) Deontological ethics is deemed virtuously good since some of the attributes and mannerism of the actions are morally unavoidable in spite of their consequences in life.  Deontological ethics is duty based such as promise keeping, appreciation, lawfulness.  A principle that is embraced by traditional values of the actions that is relevant to the right or wrong in the given circumstances.  Therefore, if we conform to the moral law other than our intuitions we are acting morally.

Utilitarianism

The “Utilitarianism holds that the morally right course of action in any situation is the one that, when compared to all other possible actions, will produce the greatest balance of benefits over costs for everyone affected.”  (p. 78) Utilitarianism is considered the greatest extreme of benefits for the greatest numbers of people in any situation.  Utilitarianism has no consideration to the course of action as long as it produces the greatest benefits over harms for everyone affected.  Most considered as moral reasoning that can be obtained by any means necessary.  There are two types of utilitarianism; act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism.  To act is the least amount of bad results and the rule is determined by the consequences of a promise (moral principles) whether it is right or wrong.