Comparing Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, And Deontological Ethics
Ethics Comparison
Anthony Phillips
University of Phoenix
Ethics 316
Aaron Rawls
10/13/2014
Ethics Comparison
This paper will compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This comparison will provide a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality, and a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories.
Virtue theory states that person’s character is the deciding factor in ethical decisions. Virtue ethics applies that the thoughts and feelings of a person will guide their thought process through ethical decisions. Living life and being the right kind of person …show more content…
Following the rules, or policy of an organization is the essence of deontological ethics. As a person addresses ethical decisions, deontological ethics plays the role of making the decision based on, “What do the rules say?” In comparison, someone using deontological ethics will bypass their own needs in favor of what is right according to the rules and policies that they are led by.
Utilitarianism theory provides that any action the creates the most good with the least consequences is the ultimate goal of ethical decisions. Utilitarianism contrasts to deontological theory in that it focuses on the consequences of an action being the determining factor in the end decision.
This writer must make decisions daily based on deontological ethics. Situations arise in the work environment that determine that decisions be based on the rules and policies of the workplace. Employees often exceed the allowed number of days off, in this situation, the writer must decide if the employee is over those allowed days, if the employee should receive discipline from missed days and if this will result in the employee’s termination. As rule are rules, employees are only allowed four days off in a three month period. Any employee that goes over those allowed days are creating a hardship on the company, other workers, and management in providing coverage for the employees’ absence. While morally, the loss of an employee’s job will result in possible hardship for them, the cost of deontological ethics is following the established rules and
Anthony Phillips
University of Phoenix
Ethics 316
Aaron Rawls
10/13/2014
Ethics Comparison
This paper will compare the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. This comparison will provide a description of the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality, and a personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories.
Virtue theory states that person’s character is the deciding factor in ethical decisions. Virtue ethics applies that the thoughts and feelings of a person will guide their thought process through ethical decisions. Living life and being the right kind of person …show more content…
Following the rules, or policy of an organization is the essence of deontological ethics. As a person addresses ethical decisions, deontological ethics plays the role of making the decision based on, “What do the rules say?” In comparison, someone using deontological ethics will bypass their own needs in favor of what is right according to the rules and policies that they are led by.
Utilitarianism theory provides that any action the creates the most good with the least consequences is the ultimate goal of ethical decisions. Utilitarianism contrasts to deontological theory in that it focuses on the consequences of an action being the determining factor in the end decision.
This writer must make decisions daily based on deontological ethics. Situations arise in the work environment that determine that decisions be based on the rules and policies of the workplace. Employees often exceed the allowed number of days off, in this situation, the writer must decide if the employee is over those allowed days, if the employee should receive discipline from missed days and if this will result in the employee’s termination. As rule are rules, employees are only allowed four days off in a three month period. Any employee that goes over those allowed days are creating a hardship on the company, other workers, and management in providing coverage for the employees’ absence. While morally, the loss of an employee’s job will result in possible hardship for them, the cost of deontological ethics is following the established rules and