Ethics_316

Ethical Theory Essay Ethics 316 Virtue Theory Virtue Theory or character ethics is an ethical theory that says a person lives his or her life to strive for excellence (Boylan 2009). This is both morally and other ways of achieving excellence. These characteristics are chosen and matured. A person chooses to live this way and is supported and encouraged by his/her community. Many politicians will campaign with an emphasis on their life long ethical character. They will reflect upon a long history of good character and moral behavior. The politician will suggest that he/she will continue to make moral choices as he/she serves his constituents. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism suggests that something is good when it is good for the masses. It is something that produces the most good, more than any other alternative. The capitalism and democratic societies operate under these assumptions (Boylan 2009). Countries like the United States operate under a utalitarianism theory. Decisions and laws are intended to provide the most good for its people. People are to be treated fairly and just. A legal system is established to protect the citizens rights and to create a fair and just society. It assumes that we are innocent until proven guilty and the opportunity to prove your position of innocence is offered to everyone. We have a set of inalienable rights that protect the citizens from unjust treatment. Deontology Deontology suggests that a person do right because it is the right thing to do. It does not weigh the consequences of the right or wrong actions (Boylan 2009). The person is tasked to do right based upon duty to act morally and right. Many religions are based on deontology. The followers are tasked with doing what is defined as moral and ethical because of a duty to obey. While some of the religions teach the consequences of afterlife terror, no tangible consequences are implied. The persons are asked to make the right choices to please their diety. From Deontology to Virtue Ethics I was raised in a very religious household, it was taught that we behave and obey out of a duty to our parents and our God. We were taught that disobeying would make God displeased and disrespect our parents. I was not taught to make right or wrong decisions for any rational reason. The success of the teaching was based upon buy-in to the religion. My parents assumed that as their children we would inherently believe what they did and not question rationale. As I grew up I started to find “loop holes” in the religious theories. We were taught that God forgives us if we ask, so in my mind, I could commit a “sin” as long as I asked for forgiveness from God. I was not instructed to respect my community, fellow man, or why we should behave in a righteous way. Unfortunately I had to learn the “hard way” on my own that there are consequences for my behavior that extended beyond the religious teachings. I have since learned the value of virtue and moral behavior, regardless if religion. I grew up learning deontology and later adopted virtue ethics. As I raise my own children, I impart the value of virtue ethics. I think it is important to teach the consequences for wrong behavior, about how to determine right and wrong, and a responsibility to community, neighbors, and family. Reference: Boylan, Michael 2009, Basic Ethics. Pearson Education