Ethics Essay

Ethics Essay

In this paper the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics will be explored. Virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are all examples of morals and ethics and have their similarities and differences. The theme virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics all have in common is the moral decision involved in making the decision.

The decision can be made virtue theory if the decision is made morally, and based upon reasoning, intuition, and justice while the decision made in utilitarianism is made based on pleasure for the masses, and finally deontological ethics is based on the rules of higher power. These all involve moral decisions and doing what is morally and ethically correct. “Virtue ethics is founded on an important assumption that the ancient Greeks held about the meaning of life” (Nicolas Manias, 2013).

1. Virtue theory is dealing mainly with the character of a person. This theory emphasizes one’s character not his or her obligations or duties expected of each individual. Virtues are qualities that virtually morally good and desirable in a person. Virtue theory is how a person acts and does not take into consideration particular acts, rules, or consequences, the only consideration is if the person is acting morally or unmorally. Virtue theory is composed of three main ideas eudemonism, agent-based theories, and the ethics of care. Eudemonism is based in reasoning, agent-based theories are based in common sense and intuition, and ethics of care is solely based on justice and it should be noted as a primarily feminist idea.

2. Utilitarian theory usually answers the question, (what one should do in any given situation). A utilitarian may answer this question with the statement that individual should do whatever is greater good for everyone involved. Utilitarian often involves accessing the consequences of one’s actions and what will resolve in the best...