Similarities and Differences Between Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics

Comprehending the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics will offer a superior understanding of these theories. Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies the moral standards and how conduct is affected, in other words, it establishes the dissimilarity of what is ethically right and wrong with how people behave. In this essay we will explore a comparison and contrast these three concepts of ethics.

Virtue theory, the first of the three, differs in the sense that its aim is on a personal level. In this theory, an individual’s desire and inclinations are relevant to morality; it centers on an individual’s virtue or moral character to define his or her behavior. Virtue theory is also called agent-based or character ethics. Greek philosophers deemed virtue as a positive trait of upright character which is continually practiced and displays itself in habitual actions. Aristotle believed that a person who studies positive practices will crave to continue them in order to accomplish a healthier moral. He also thought that this action can lead a person to discovery the medium among both extremes, nevertheless he also thought that each deed was dependent on the individual, subsequently no one moral mean would be adequate.

The theory Utilitarianism implies the belief that a noble moral action is one that benefits the greatest number of people than other options. This theory can be assessed either positive or negative, depending what you believe. One illustration of this in today’s world has to be the terrorist group ISIS, despite the fact that I and the majority of the people in the world do not agree with their horrific actions; those individuals in their group consider they are doing something respectable. Another instance would be the Gulf War; troops were deployed into action against Iraq. While they crushed Saddam Hussein’s forces, Saddam continued in power for the greater good of keeping Middle Eastern peace.