Ethical Framework

Ethical Framework 1

Ethical Framework !1

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Personal Ethical Framework

Rebecca Denton

Brandman University

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OLCU-350

Dr. Sexton

April 4, 2015

Ethical Framework 2

Ethical Framework and Ethical Theories.

Ethical framework is a set of personal codes that an individual sets for themselves to

guide their behavior. Ethics is what one uses to distinguish right from wrong in the ways that

they interact with the world. Ethical framework contains many ethical theories but we will

explore two, utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Utilitarianism for one is a theory in normative ethics

holding that the moral action is the one that maximizes utility. Utility is defined in various ways,

including as pleasure, economic well-being and the lack of suffering. Utilitarianism is a form of

consequentialism, which implies that the consequences of an action are of moral importance.

This view can be contrasted or combined with seeing intentions, virtues or the compliance with

rules as ethically important. Classical utilitarianism's two most influential contributors are

Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. Bentham, who takes happiness as the measure for utility,

says, "it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong”,

(Bentham, 1776). Virtue-based ethical theories place less emphasis on which rules people should

follow and instead focus on helping people develop good character traits, such as kindness and

generosity. These character traits will, in turn, allow a person to make the correct decisions later

on in life. Virtue theorists also emphasize the need for people to learn how to break bad habits of

character, like greed or anger. These are called vices and stand in the way of becoming a good

person (Virtue Ethics: Morality and Character, 2015).

Personal Ethical Framework

My personal ethical framework leans more towards virtue ethics. Along with virtue ethics

and my ethical...