Ethical Theory

The three major ethical Theories are Virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. These theory have some similarities and yet they differ in many ways. Virtue theory takes a closer look at the individual, and the individual's characteristics. Unlike a utilitarianism, and deontological ethics Virtue doesn't just focus on the action that is being carried out. Virtue ethics define the way a person should behave and what virtues should be acquired to lead a good life. Deontology and utilitarianism places emphasis on what an individual should do, and this is separated from personal desires and inclinations. Virtue theory places a great deal of emphasis on how morality is relevant to an individuals inclinations and desires. "Virtue ethics can be seen as an ethics of personal development. People can develop virtues over time, and so in theory, grow into a better person." (Weineck, 2007)

Utilitarianism states that, when a person faces a choice, they must consider the consequences of their actions. Based on the outcome make choices that will generate pleasure for various situations. Utilitarianism looks at all rules of actions to determine if the rule will be followed as well as what will happen if the rule isn't followed. The belief is that if all the rule are followed happiness will come.

Deontological ethics judges if an action is moral based on the rule. Deontologists associate right or wrong actions with being obedient or disobedient to moral laws. The belief is that rightness or wrongness is an intrinsic feature of certain types of acts.

"Virtue ethics can be contrasted to deontological ethics and consequentialist ethics by an examination of the other two (the three being together the most predominant contemporary normative ethical theories). Deontological ethics, sometimes referred to as duty ethics, places the emphasis on adhering to ethical principles or duties." (Weineck, 2007)

My person experience with the relationship between virtue, values and moral concepts as they relate to one of the three theories involves a good friend of mine. She meet and fell in love with a man who she later discovered was a convicted killer and child molester. By the time she realized what a horrible person he was she was three months pregnant. Because she did not want this person to be a part of her life she was forced to decide whether to terminate the pregnancy or to give the