U of P / Eth 316 / Ethics Essay

ETH 316 August 22, 2011 Ethics strain Utilitarianism Utilitarianism ethical motive emphasize that march should be chastely unspoiled to a group. This course of ethics is practically known as the sterling(prenominal) near for the greatest number or simply put, the greater severe (Boylan, 2009). In other words, the consequence of some(prenominal) honorable proceeding at law should be respectable for all by mass appeal. This is a common underlying approximation for ethics in capitalist economies and business as well as in democratic governments (Boylan, 2009). meritoriousness TheoryVirtue theory, also known as virtue ethics, focuses more so on the oddball of a soulfulness rather than the rules and consequences of specific acts. What this basically means is that the primary focus is whether or non the someone acting ethically is a person who upholds high morals and virtues, in turn transporting good character (Garrett, 2005). Rules, intent, consequences and outcome a re not inevitably irrelevant however, the emphasis of virtue theory is chiefly on a persons character, their virtues, and their facet of good intentions (Garrett, 2005).Deontology Unlike virtue theory, deontology has a knockout emphasis on duty in action, in adherence to rules. The powerful action is important here, where upon completion, should contri plainlye about the greatest good for all involved. This is sensibly similar to utilitarianism, which does focus on the consequence of the greatest good. However, deontology does not lean on the consequence itself, but more so the prescript behind committing the right action. (Boylan, 2009). In turn, the ethics behind deontology is about principle and pursuit rules. Similarity Between TheoriesAll threesome of these ethical practices have tangible similarities. The primary similarity is consequence of action. Even though consequence is not al delegacys the primary focus of the action, it is expected in all three theories that the consequence should have a beneficial result as an outcome of the action. Whether the action is based on principle, values or virtues, the finish up should justify the means. Difference Between Theories The best way to express the differences between virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics is to progeny a common scenario and analyze from these three diametric perspectives.A good deterrent example to use would be a person having railway car trouble and has pulled their car on the side of the road. They are in plain need of help. In committing the action of helping the person, an soul is acting on a moral or ethical duty. An individual who practices virtue theory ethics would point out that by helping the person, doing so would be a charitable act and would express good character of the person assisting the one in need. One who practices utilitarianism would enjoin that by helping the person, doing so would be good for both the person in need and the person h elping.A deontologist would say that by helping, it would be so in accordance to a moral rule, such as karma, or what you do to others will come back to you. (Hursthouse, 2010). As the example shows, virtue theory focuses on a persons moral ethics, and not on any specific outcome or rule. Utilitarianism has an emphasis on the greater good, focusing on a beneficial outcome for all persons involved, where the consequences of acting are beneficial to a community. Finally, deontology emphasizes duty as specific action being done in completion of following a specific moral code, rule or command.In a previous job position, I had an ethical dilemma that required making a fair decision for all parties involved. It involved a quality office exercise for outbound merchandising in a call center. There was a Spanish speaking division where the manager cute a special call monitoring move just for the Spanish speakers. I decided against the process for the simple fact that the Spanish speaker s did not say anything different or offer anything different than the non-Spanish speakers. The effort I chose to do this was to make the quality assurance process fair for all the call agents.If I had done the opposite, the non-Spanish speakers would have sought similar treatment. I consider this to be a utilitarian action for my ethical dilemma. References Boylan, M. 2009. Basic Ethics. 2nd Edition. Pp. 153, 171 Garrett, J. (2005, November 28). Virtue ethics. Retrieved fromhttp//www. wku. edu/jan. garrett/ethics/virtthry. htm Hursthouse, Rosalind, Virtue Ethics, The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter2010 Edition), Edward N. Zalta(ed. ),http//plato. stanford. edu/ chronicle/win2010/entries/ethics-virtue