The Utilitarianism ethics theory Essay Example for Free

The Utilitarianism ethics theory Essay Utilitarianism, virtue theory, and deontological ethics are major approaches to normative ethics. They share differences and similarities and also with ethics and morality. Values, virtues, and moral concepts also share a relationship with each other. The Utilitarianism ethics theory suggest that an action is morally correct when it maximizes the total utility to produce more good than bad, or more happiness than suffering. Utilitarianism does not relate to morality nor ethics because these are actions are taken in order for the most usefulness, no matter the outcome or end result. Also if we do not know the end result of something we cannot determine if it is ethical or not. The Virtue theory of ethics is known to be different from utilitarianism and deontological theories because they use ones desires and inclinations that are applied to morality. Virtue theory focuses on one’s characteristics instead of looking at an action that someone is or has taken. Virtue theory relates to ethics because it looks at one’s personal virtues on how to live a good life as well as it takes reason an emotion into account. The Deontological ethics theory is similar to and relates highly to morality. Both morality and deontological ethics refers to how we make choices morally no matter if they are required permitted, forbidden. This theory is the complete opposite of virtue theory. This theory can relate to ethics only because it determines if an action is right or wrong; however, it does not leave room for questions. Virtue, values, and moral concepts all show a relationship to each other that apply more to the virtue theory of ethics. Virtue means to do what is right; values is do what is right based on another person , group, or set of principles; and moral concepts is the rules of right or wrong, and making good, or bad judgment choices. The Virtue theory shows a bigger relationship because this is based on the morals and ethics of building’s one’s character and the following of rules to build better character and morals to live a better life. I too believe I follow the virtue theory of ethics because my moral decisions are based on my own person values, virtues, and moral concepts that are also a reflection of my religion and how I was brought up. For instance, I was brought up following the Catholic Church, and we were to make moral decisions based on the beliefs of the church and was also told to build our character to make us a better person, and to reflect this on others. Reference: Boylan, M. (2009). Basic Ethics, 2nd Edition, Chapter 6, 10, 11. Prentice Hall.