Ethical Theories
Ethical Theories
Joseph Ramos
ETH/316
November 26, 2012
Irma Flores-Brothers
Ethical Theories
Ethics can be defined as a code of moral principles that sets a standard between right and wrong. Having what it takes to be an ethical person is not an easy task and the proper methods of becoming a moral person has been debated for centuries. This has resulted in several theories including utilitarianism, virtue theory, and deontological. Although all relate to ethics they each have a different view.
Utilitarianism theory is the idea that what is good for the majority is ethically correct. This is a common practice in a democracy like the United States, what will make the majority of the people happy is the right thing to do. It puts little emphasis on the individual but looks to please the greatest amount of people possible. In some instances this theory can view lying as a good thing if the end result benefits the majority.
Virtue theory is the idea that ethical behavior is determined by ones character. This theory for example would focus less on the lie itself but more on why the individual lied in the first place and what this says about the individuals’ morals. If a person is seen as virtuous and has a history of being moral then the virtue theory allows for mistakes. The theory cares less about one action but instead looks at the person as a whole.
Deontological theory is the idea that the ethical thing to do is what is expected of you. It is to follow the rules no matter what your own moral beliefs may be. For example if someone was housing illegal immigrants in their basement and a police officer asked if there were anyone in the house that wasn’t supposed to be there then they must confess. Many would deem this as morally wrong knowing the office will take arrest the immigrants but according to this theory the right thing to do is follow the law and be honest with the officer.
Utilitarianism is the theory that I tend to be most subject to. I
Joseph Ramos
ETH/316
November 26, 2012
Irma Flores-Brothers
Ethical Theories
Ethics can be defined as a code of moral principles that sets a standard between right and wrong. Having what it takes to be an ethical person is not an easy task and the proper methods of becoming a moral person has been debated for centuries. This has resulted in several theories including utilitarianism, virtue theory, and deontological. Although all relate to ethics they each have a different view.
Utilitarianism theory is the idea that what is good for the majority is ethically correct. This is a common practice in a democracy like the United States, what will make the majority of the people happy is the right thing to do. It puts little emphasis on the individual but looks to please the greatest amount of people possible. In some instances this theory can view lying as a good thing if the end result benefits the majority.
Virtue theory is the idea that ethical behavior is determined by ones character. This theory for example would focus less on the lie itself but more on why the individual lied in the first place and what this says about the individuals’ morals. If a person is seen as virtuous and has a history of being moral then the virtue theory allows for mistakes. The theory cares less about one action but instead looks at the person as a whole.
Deontological theory is the idea that the ethical thing to do is what is expected of you. It is to follow the rules no matter what your own moral beliefs may be. For example if someone was housing illegal immigrants in their basement and a police officer asked if there were anyone in the house that wasn’t supposed to be there then they must confess. Many would deem this as morally wrong knowing the office will take arrest the immigrants but according to this theory the right thing to do is follow the law and be honest with the officer.
Utilitarianism is the theory that I tend to be most subject to. I