Ethics Essay

Week 1-Ethics Essay

Brandy King

ETH/316

December 10, 2014

Dr. Michael Woods

Week 1-Ethics Essay

The definition of ethics is an area of study that deals with ideas about what is good and bad behavior; a branch of philosophy dealing with what is morally right or wrong. The definition of morality is belief about what is right behavior, and what is wrong behavior.

The virtue ethical theory goes by an individual’s character, rather than by specific actions that are not of the person’s usual and normal behavior. It is currently one of the three major approaches in normative ethics. A virtuous person always does what is “right”.

Utilitarianism is based on the ability to predict consequences of actions. The ethically correct decision is the one that holds the greatest benefit for the majority. There are two types of utilitarianism: act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. The first one complies with the exact definition of utilitarianism, with no regards to personal feelings or laws of society. The second takes into account the laws of society and whether there is fairness to everyone involved.

The deontological theory basically tells the individual to “follow their heart”. There is no use of logic or rationality to determine what the ethically correct response is.

I’ve been sitting here trying to think of a personal experience I can relate to this essay, and I must say, I’m having trouble trying to find an example in my memory bank. I am completely drawing a blank. The only one coming to mind is my relationship with my fiance and how his son figures in. His father and I have totally different views on how children should be raised. I am left in a dilemma on an almost daily basis. I want what is best for his child, just like he does, but what I think the boy needs and what his father doesn’t want to do are one in the same. I am baffled by what the “correct” response should be.

References

Hursthouse, R. (Fall-2013). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved from...