Eth 316 Essay Week 1
Ethics
ETH316
Aug 1, 2012
Charles Parker
Ethics
Ethical development is an important tool needed in today’s society. The following will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Through further insight of these similarities and differences one can begin to comprehend the importance ethics and social responsibility plays in personal and business success. The analysis below describes the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality and also includes a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Also included is a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Understanding the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics starts with defining each theory. The virtue theory is mainly about one’s character. Also known as virtue ethic, the virtue theory regards one’s character as well as one’s motivations and intentions (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). This theory does not consider rules or outcomes of certain actions. Virtue ethics primarily focuses on whether or not an individual acts with integrity even when he or she is not watched or seen in addition to displaying a high moral standard as a sign of good character.
Working in teams is a very big part of today’s work environment. People work in teams at work as well as in the home. A good team player develops skills that can lead to successful completion of projects and helps with decision-making. Putting the best interest of the team before one’s personal interests is utilitarianism. According to Boylan (2009), “utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative”. Finally, the deontological
ETH316
Aug 1, 2012
Charles Parker
Ethics
Ethical development is an important tool needed in today’s society. The following will discuss the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Through further insight of these similarities and differences one can begin to comprehend the importance ethics and social responsibility plays in personal and business success. The analysis below describes the differences in how each theory addresses ethics and morality and also includes a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Also included is a personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories. Understanding the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics starts with defining each theory. The virtue theory is mainly about one’s character. Also known as virtue ethic, the virtue theory regards one’s character as well as one’s motivations and intentions (Trevino & Nelson, 2007). This theory does not consider rules or outcomes of certain actions. Virtue ethics primarily focuses on whether or not an individual acts with integrity even when he or she is not watched or seen in addition to displaying a high moral standard as a sign of good character.
Working in teams is a very big part of today’s work environment. People work in teams at work as well as in the home. A good team player develops skills that can lead to successful completion of projects and helps with decision-making. Putting the best interest of the team before one’s personal interests is utilitarianism. According to Boylan (2009), “utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other alternative”. Finally, the deontological
Bibliography: Boylan, M. (2009). Basis Ethics (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall / Pearson Edu. Trevino, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2007). Managing Business Ethics (4th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons Inc..