Ethics Case

Ethics Essay

In this paper I will be discussing the similarities and differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. Each handles the topic of morality and ethics in similar and different ways. Webster's dictionary defines morality as, "Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior." Ethics is defined as, "Moral principles that govern a person's or group's behavior; the moral correctness of specified conduct." I will also give my personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories.

Differences

Virtue theory in a nut shell focuses on self-beliefs of doing right. The virtue theory is directed merely towards the individual, and their attributes, verses just looking at the action that has been carried out. Virtue theory discusses how we should be, and what virtues we should possess the ideally good life. Deontology and utilitarianism focuses on what actions should executed which varies by the individual's motives or preferences. Nevertheless, an individual's preference and motives are closely related to morality. Virtue theory could be viewed as the standard for personal development. Utilitarianism is the logic or premise which illustrates the greatest outline for the organization whether large or small. This theory focuses on the group rather than the individual. Utilitarianism believes that the execution can be morally correct if the majority receives the benefit verses a single individual. The deontology theory is derived upon the individual beliefs on what is the right thing to do. They do not search further into the action or concentrate on the possible consequences. They undoubtedly believe it's the right thing to do and act upon it.

Similarities

The similarity between the virtue theory, the utilitarianism theory and deontological theory is the fact that they all identify and uphold justice and responsibility. The comparison of the three theories also deals with results. These theories all aim for the best outcome depending on what an individual believes the best result may be. When it comes to an important decision, people often make the decision that benefits either the present or future, whether a person's decision is the best for the moment or best for the future is what differentiates these theories.

When I think of my personal decision to join the United States Navy, I believe that my decision would fall under the utilitarianism theory category. I come from a single parent household and have a brother and sister within the household that my mother worked to provide for. I knew that it would have been very difficult for my mother to provide the funds for me to go to college, so I made a decision that was