Ethical Theories - Personal Example Essay
Review this week's materials and think about the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics.
Write a 500- to 700-word personal essay using the theory you relate to most.
Include the following in your essay:
Which theory do you relate to most and why
Share a personal example that highlights the theory
Explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to your chosen theory and personal example
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Ethical Theories
ETH316
June 2, 2014
Ethical Theories
What is ethics? Boylan (2009) stated, “ethics is the science concerning the “right and wrong” of human action” (p. 3). Although there are several different ethical theories, we will discuss the three main theories here. Those theories are virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. There are many differences, as well as similarities, between these three theories.
The foundation of virtue ethics is the idea that goodness comes from the attempted and achieved excellence in all aspects of one's life (Boylan, 2009). The theory suggests that one should give one hundred percent in everything that one does in life. This suggestion applies for the community as well. Striving for excellence is the key. By persistently attempting to reach perfection in one's actions, his or her moral qualities will develop from the excellence of those actions. The result is ideally for one's actions to become habitually excellent and right.
According to Boylan (2009), utilitarianism is a theory that is best described as putting the good of the group before the good of the individual. When the outcome benefits the group more than any other, the action is morally right. Basing one's actions on the overall group's benefits instead of one's own benefit is the idea of virtuosity. One must be selfless and follow the path that leads to the...