utilitarianism vs virtue ethics essay

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Understanding Virtue Ethics, Utilitarianism and Deontology
Philosophical Terms

Do you want to understand the intricacies of ethical theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism and deontology? Are you looking for a comprehensive explanation of the different views on moral decision making? In this article, we will provide a thorough overview of these three philosophical theories, exploring their implications and differences. We will start by introducing virtue ethics and discussing its core beliefs and principles. We will then move on to utilitarianism, exploring its impact and implications. Finally, we will discuss deontology and its implications for moral decision making.

Through this analysis, we will provide a comprehensive understanding of the three ethical theories. Ethics is a complex topic, which can be broken down into three main philosophical concepts: virtue ethics , utilitarianism and deontology . This article will explain each concept and how they are used in ethical decision-making. The first concept to consider is virtue ethics . This ethical framework focuses on the virtues that individuals should possess in order to make moral decisions. According to this perspective, individuals should aim to cultivate good habits and character traits such as honesty, integrity, courage and compassion.

The goal of this approach is to create a moral individual who will act with virtuous intentions. The second concept is utilitarianism . This ethical framework takes a consequentialist approach and focuses on the outcomes of an action. According to utilitarianism, the moral action is the one that produces the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. The third concept is deontology . This ethical framework focuses on following moral rules or duties regardless of the consequences.

Utilitarianism is one of the three major ethical theories, alongside virtue ethics and deontology. Utilitarianism is used in ethical decision-making to determine the best course of action in a given situation. It involves weighing up the benefits and harms associated with each action, and then selecting the option that produces the most net benefit. This means that utilitarianism puts a premium on producing the greatest good for the greatest number of people, without regard for individual rights or interests.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue ethics is based on the idea that an individual's character traits, or virtues, should be the basis for any ethical decision-making. Virtue ethics is not concerned with the consequences of an action, but rather the character of the person making the decision. The theory behind virtue ethics is that a person who has good character will make the right decision when faced with a moral dilemma. In virtue ethics, a person's ethical behavior is based on their own internal sense of what is right and wrong.

This means that an individual's ethical decisions are based on their own personal values, rather than on external factors such as laws or rules. Virtue ethics emphasizes that an individual's character is the most important factor in determining their ethical decisions. Virtue ethics is used in ethical decision-making by focusing on the character traits of the individual making the decision. A good-hearted person will make ethical decisions based on their own sense of what is right and wrong, rather than relying on external rules or laws.

Additionally, virtue ethics encourages individuals to develop their character and strive to become better people, which can help them make more ethical decisions in the future. Ultimately, virtue ethics is based on the idea that an individual's character traits will inform their ethical decisions. By focusing on an individual's character and values, virtue ethics seeks to encourage individuals to make ethical decisions based on their own sense of what is right and wrong. Ultimately, each ethical framework has its own merits and drawbacks, and the most suitable approach for any particular situation depends on the context and an individual's own personal values.

By understanding the core principles of virtue ethics, utilitarianism and deontology, individuals can make more informed decisions when faced with a moral dilemma. Virtue ethics is based on the development of good character traits, utilitarianism focuses on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people, and deontology emphasizes following moral rules regardless of the outcome. Each approach has its own implications and limitations, but by understanding them all, individuals can make more informed ethical decisions.

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Deontology: An Introduction to an Ethical Theory

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Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics Essay

Introduction, a personal incident to explain the relationship between the three theories.

Virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological theory have both similarities and differences. The foundation of utilitarianism theory is in the principle of utility. This principle emphasizes the need to rely on reason and not metaphysics. Furthermore, the law of greatest happiness is the main ideology behind this theory. Human beings seek to decrease suffering and maximize happiness. Hence, an action that is correct morally must lead to the greatest possible pleasure.

On the other hand, the theory of deontology embraces the concept of duty. According to the proponents of deontology, actions should fulfill moral duties without caring whether they make people happy, or not. In other words, the theory of deontology holds that duties define right actions, regardless of their consequences.

Therefore, both deontology and utilitarianism have different approaches to what is morally right. Proponents of deontology embrace moral duties while those of utilitarianism embrace the greatest happiness. Nevertheless, both theories are similar in that they focus on moral actions. Utilitarianism judges actions depending on their consequences while deontology judges actions depending on whether they carry out some set duties.

Virtual ethics is another theory that explains moral actions. Aristotle came up with this theory. The theory describes the meaning of living well, for humankind. It considers the result of human existence as eudaimonia. The meaning of eudaimonia is flourishing. That is, human beings wish to live well. However, this theory does not refer to physical happiness, but that of the mind and soul. Aristotle divides virtues into the intellectual and moral virtues, which correspond to the happiness of the mind and soul. He considers virtue as a moral tendency of the mind, which occurs as voluntary action.

Moral virtue controls the actions of the emotional part. On the other hand, intellectual virtue determines suitable actions for particular feelings. According to the theory, the greatest happiness can only come from philosophical reflection.

Virtue theory resembles the theory of utilitarianism as both theories mention moral action and happiness. However, the two theories differ whereby utilitarianism theory refers to physical happiness as virtual theory refers to the happiness of the mind and soul. The key similarity among all the three theories is that they try to explain morally right actions.

As I grew up, I took care of my younger siblings, since I was the firstborn in a family of five. Two of my siblings were girls while two were boys. My mother who was a nurse instructed me to make sure my two brothers got more food than my two sisters, who were older. Both of my sisters were in their teenage years while my brothers’ ages were 9 and 11 years. Every time during meal times, I served food as per the instructions, but my two sisters always seemed unhappy. I always felt that this was not right as their bodies were developing, but my mother would not change her mind. We lived in a society where women were less valued and men were highly esteemed.

The theory of deontology can explain this situation, as I followed rules despite them having undesirable consequences. I practiced the virtue of obedience, while I went against my values about equality for both men and women. Thus, I did what was morally right, but betrayed my values.

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IvyPanda . 2021. "Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics." March 21, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/virtue-theory-utilitarianism-and-deontological-ethics/.

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14 The Main Issue Between Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics

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Published: August 1995
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The main issue between utilitarianism and commonsense virtue ethics is whether what is admirable is a function of the overall benefit a trait brings to sentient beings generally or whether there can be sources of admirability and virtue status somewhat independent of such overall consequences. It is argued by example that many kinds of admirability seem possible and that some of these do not grow out of overall likely benefits to sentient beings. This favors commonsense virtue ethics over utilitarianism.

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