Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics: Differences & Similarities

Abstract

This essay will emphasize the theory of Virtue, ethics of utilitarianism and deontology.

These three concepts deal with ethics of conduct. Utilitarianism, a derivative of Cosequentialism, is the theory of everyone coming as a whole for the good of one as a whole.

Virtue Ethicist, also known as Aristoteleanism, was born as a result of the two extreme ethic theories, deontology and utilitarianism.

This essay explains the similarities and differences among these three theories and presents personal examples as they apply to each normative ethic.

Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism, and Deontological Ethics: Differences & Similarities

Virtue ethics theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics are all considered normative ethics. This essay addresses the similarities and differences among these theories and describes personal examples of each. Within the ethics of conduct, one asks what actions we should perform. The virtue ethics focuses on moral character as it concentrates on the action of right or wrong. Essentially, it emphasizes on what a character would do depending on given circumstances. It is the act of an individual action virtuously, meaning a person who applies virtue, with the characteristics of a human being needs to grow or live satisfactory well. Utilitarianism is also an ethical theory that focuses as the well being of a group as a whole. It concentrates on maximizing the overall happiness as a group. Utilitarianism has also been referred as the "principle of utility" and "the greatest happiness principle". En.widipedia.org/wiki/Ethics. Deontological ethics concentrates on the basic notion of goodness or rightness. Deontology stresses the concept of duty. It addresses the belief of what is morally right to do, regardless if this action will make people less happy.

Similarities and Differences

Similarities

Virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological theories have some similarities among them. The first thing in common is that all are said to be ethical theories. The three normative ethics offer guidance along a pathway to a decision. The goal they have in common is to follow an ethical correct judgment. Department of Biology, Davidson College, Davidson, NC 28035.

Differences

Virtue ethics differs from utilitarianism and deontology theories because virtue ethics focuses on virtues or moral character. Hursthouse, Rosalind, "Virtue Ethics", (summer 2012) edition

Utilitarianism and deontology defer from each other by the fact that utilitarianism focuses on what is good and what brings happiness. Deontology on the other hand emphasizes on what is right to do regardless of the outcome. Curtis Brown, (April 16, 2001).

Virtue ethics, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics differ among them is the morality in a way that moral dilemmas are approached than in the moral