U of P / Eth 316 / Ethics Essay

ETH 316 August 22, 2011 Ethics Es understand Utilitarianism Utilitarianism ethics emphasize that action should be mor onlyy beneficial to a group. This course of ethics is often cognise as the greatest trade good for the greatest number or only put, the greater good (Boylan, 2009). In other words, the yield of any ethical action should be beneficial for every last(predicate) by mass appeal. This is a common underlying theme for ethics in capitalist economies and task as well as in democratic governments (Boylan, 2009). Virtue schemeVirtue theory, also known as impartiality ethics, focuses more so on the character of a soul rather than the rules and consequences of specific acts. What this essenti every last(predicate)y means is that the primary focus is whether or non the person playing ethi watchwordy is a person who upholds high morals and virtues, in distort expressing good character (Garrett, 2005). Rules, intent, consequences and outcome ar non necessarily uns uitable however, the emphasis of virtue theory is primarily on a persons character, their virtues, and their expression of good intentions (Garrett, 2005).Deontology Unlike virtue theory, deontology has a sarcoid emphasis on duty in action, in adherence to rules. The practiced action is important here, where upon completion, should bring about the greatest good for all involved. This is somewhat 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 normal behind committing the right action. (Boylan, 2009). In turn, the ethics behind deontology is about rationale and following rules. Similarity Between TheoriesAll one-third of these ethical practices put on tangible similarities. The primary similarity is consequence of action. Even though consequence is not always the primary focus of the action, it is expected in all three theories that the consequence should have a ben eficial result as an outcome of the action. Whether the action is based on principle, values or virtues, the quit should justify the means. Difference Between Theories The best way to express the differences betwixt virtue theory, utilitarianism and deontological ethics is to take a common scenario and analyze from these three different perspectives.A good example to use would be a person having car trouble and has pulled their car on the side of the road. They are in obvious need of help. In committing the action of lot the person, an individualist 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 say that by helping the person, doing so would be good for both the person in need and the person helping.A deontologist would say that by helping, it would b e 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 dominance process for outbound marketing in a call center. at that place was a Spanish speaking division where the manager wanted a special call monitoring process just for the Spanish speakers. I decided against the process for the simple fact that the Spanish speakers did not say anything different or offer anything different than the non-Spanish speakers. The reason 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 divvy up this to be a utilitarian action for my ethical dilemma. References Boylan, M. 2009. Basic Ethics. second 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/ story/win2010/entries/ethics-virtue