Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics
Similarities and Differences among Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics
Introduction
According to Carroll and Buchholtz (2009), virtue ethics highlights characteristic role and virtue of an individual in relation to one’s ethical behavior while utilitarianism is considered as the existing belief within one’s mind that values of things are always verified by their utility. On the other hand, deontological is the position used by persons in judging the principles of actions relative to norms that governs such actions (Gotsis & Kortezi, 2013). Based on the three ethics, there are various similarities and differences that exist among the three that shows their operations and understanding in dealing with judgments on ethics and morality.
Similarities
In the process of understanding various relationships and differences that subsists among utilitarianism, virtue theory and deontology, it is realized that they deal with the aspect of judging ethics and morality within the society (Buchholtz, 2009). Therefore, these theories are responsible for the moral judgment in diverse aspects no matter the time of their occurrence. Another similarity that is common among the three ethical theories is that all the theories concentrate on what is the best as per the situation as far as making decision is concerned. Consequently, the three theories lead people towards making right choices with the use of the available best results (Gotsis & Kortezi, 2013). For instance, in scenario where one’s wife has been kidnapped by unknown gunmen and the husband has no option but to risk his life to save the situation. Hence, through the use of the three theories, the man will use the available best information to face the kidnappers. Moreover, another similarity that exists among the three theories is that all are good for making future decision.
Differences
Apart from the relationships that exist among the above three theories, Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics, they also have differences that contradict their operations. For instance, a deontological theory is believed to be concern with making decisions with the idea of duty. Therefore, through the use of deontological, people make choices that suit them without considering the impact of the decision made on other. This is in the contrary to the theory of utilitarianism which is concerned on the general principle that demands that all people must benefit from the decision made (Gotsis & Kortezi, 2013). Hence, through the use of utilitarianism theory, the impact of the decision made on other people is considered. Another different that arises among the three ethical theories is that through the use virtue theory in making decision, the decision depends on the behaviors of the decision maker. Therefore, the decision made might affect other parties negatively making the decision made unsuitable for other people within the same environment as explained by Carroll and Buchholtz (2009). This is also in the contrary to requirements of the utilitarianism that allow making of decision that is acceptable to all people who may be affected by the decision made.
Conclusion
Therefore, before making any decision based on the above three ethical theories, it is important for the decision makers to consider all the theories and select the best theory that would not affect other people within the society. Moreover, in the process of making any decision through the use of the three ethical theories, decision makers need to use the available relevant information in order to make right decisions as the choice made may affect people even in the future.
References:
Carroll, A.B & Buchholtz, A.K. (2009). Business and Society: Ethics and Stakeholder Management: Ethics and Stakeholder Management. London: Cengage Learning.
Gotsis, G & Kortezi, Z. (2013) “Ethical paradigms as potential foundations of diversity managementinitiatives in business organizations”, Journal of Organizational Change Management, 26(6): 3.
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