Eth 316 Ethics and Responsibility

Ethics Essay

John

ETH 316/ Ethics and Responsibility

July 24, 2010

Dr. Phillip Randle

Ethics Essay

Ethics can be described as the branch of philosophy that studies questions about morality. A system of moral principles that is based on what is good and bad behavior in relation to human conduct. The virtue theory is an approach to ethics that focuses on the character history of an individual's decision or action. This theory helps to develop character traits over a period of time. Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy that is based on the worthiness of morality. The emphases are based on achieving happiness to the greatest number of people. This action is morally correct when it benefits a group of people whether right or wrong.

When someone does something because they feel it is the right thing to do morally, they are exercising the deontology theory. That individual genuinely feels he or she is doing the right thing and acts upon that decision (Boylan, 2009). There are some similarities between the three theories described. The three theories are decisions that are ethically beneficial to society or an individual from a morality standpoint. Virtue and deontology focuses more on individualism, whereas utilitarianism is less concerned with the individual's character and more interested with the maximum benefit to the majority of people involved. The primary focus is to benefit a great number of people through fairness.

My personal experience in relation to virtue, ethical values, and morals was evident when ground rules within my workplace were established to outline expectations of team members. The intent was to establish common and agreed upon expectations for all members to abide to in relation to respecting others and integrity. The utilitarian theory was used to benefit the majority of the team members as opposed to just one individual. The basis for utilizing this theory was in the best interest and overall satisfaction of the team considering the diversity within the team.

The outcome of establishing ground rules generated well being, moral principles and subsequently resulted in the greatest happiness for all the team members.