Ethics Case

In comparing the differences and similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics it will allow us to understand what motivates individuals in their decision making process. Virtue theory focuses on the premise of what makes a good person. It emphasizes on excellence in their overall moral character, it is more about the person rather than the action. This theory believes that an individual can learn good behavior and in turn control their emotion, which aids a person in making sound moral choices. Contrary to the virtue theory, utilitarianism focuses on the action an individual performs for the betterment of a group and not for ones own happiness; the question asked here is "What should I do to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of people (Boylan, 2009)." Actions alone are morally neutral it is dependent on the consequences; said simply utilitarianism is based on results. Deontological ethics focuses on rules, obligation and duties. A similarity between deontological and utilitarianism is that both deal with moral ethics and outcomes based on an individual's actions regardless of the result. All three theories primary objective is to seek what is right or wrong, what is good or bad. Each theory allows an individual to rationalize the best moral decision for their particular situation.

Religion played a pivotal role in my upbringing so I can relate to deontological theory. I was raised to live by the bible and respect the laws and rules that would allow me to have the life God had intended me to have. As a child I loved people and was always so thankful for what I was blessed and the burning desire to give back to those less fortunate. I am reminded of a situation when my older brother and I were asked to organize a garage sale for our church; we were happy to do so and raised a lot of money. The day before we were to turn in the money my brother wanted to buy a go-cart and asked me to help pay for it, we were short $85.00. Our parents told us that if we wanted it we would have to pay for it on our own; my brother then had the idea to take the $85.00 from the church garage sale money. I told him no I knew it was wrong and I told him I wouldn't have any part of it. The next day we turned in the garage sale money and in that week's Sunday class our teacher announced how much money we had collected. I was shocked when the amount was exactly $85.00 short. I looked at my brother and he had a grin on his face, I told him I was going to tell and being the older brother he threatened to beat me up. The whole ride home I wanted to tell my mother but I was afraid I would get beaten up by my brother then if I did tell how embarrassed I would be in Sunday school and I was convinced they would never let me do any fund raisers. I prayed about it and even though I was 10 years old I knew no matter what the consequence I had to do the right thing because I valued my word, I was raised