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3 The Ethical Theories Comparison Chart Harshal Patel Purdue Global February 23rd, 2021 Utilitarianism Ethical Egoism Ethics of Care Kantianism Prima Facie Duties Divine Command Theory Virtue Theory How is “good†Determined Basically a form of consequentialism in that it tests on the idea that it is the consequences or results of actions, policies and laws. Based on the ideology that, it is morally upright to promote one’s own good. The general obligation to a stranger is limited. Moral worth is recognized if one is motivated by morality. Based on the first impression or appearance.

Based on the idea that right morality action is as God commands. Bases individual’s ethical behaviours on common sense rather than on the rules set. Most Noted Philosopher(s) Jeremy Bentham (Britannica.com, 2021) Ayn Rand and Max Stirner Carol Gilligan and Nel Noddings. Immanuel Kant David Ross St Augustine and William of Ockham. Aristotle and Plato. (Bai, 2020) Major Strengths Focuses on consequences of action hence is pragmatic.

Higher chances of self-improvement. Humanizes ethics making it real instead of just cold rules. Morality is straightforward and applies to everyone. It provides for doing well when not even asked to. System is clear and so straightforward.

Major Weaknesses Aims at predicting consequences of action which impossible. Caring for others is rejected even for their own sake. It threatens to devolve into tribalism. Considers what actions are good but not the right thing in situations. Some actions bringing happiness may not be right.

Views to slavery and homosexual behaviour are somehow negative. References Bai, F. H. (2020). Does virtue lead to status?Testing the moral virtue theory of status attainment. Journal of personality and socialsocial psychology,.

Britannica.com. (2021, February 12). Retrieved from 4 Ethical Theories Harshal Patel Purdue Global February 16th, 2021 Ethical Theories There's importance to express a justifiable rationale for why to believe that one decision seems to be right while another seems to be wrong. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism holds the idea that the consequences of actions and policies determine whether they are wrong or right, making it consequentialism (Savulesau&Wilkinson 2020). Generally, whatever matter is on evaluation, the one that produces the best overall results gets chosen. The modern theory of utilitarianism is closely related to a British philosopher known as John Stuart Mill.

John developed the utilitarianism theory from a plain hedonistic version put forward by Jeremy Bentham, who as his mentor. Some of this theory's strengths were; Too many people happiness is essential to them in decision-making. It is also simple to follow. The theories weaknesses include; The theory seeks to foresee the penalties of an impossible deed. It also fails to identify that people have obligations.

Ethical Egoism This theory explains that one is promoted to following good morality. It says that it is moral to promote ones well. Henry Sidgwick introduced ethical egoism in the book of the methods of ethic. The strengths of this theory are that everybody is provided for, and it promotes improved self-awareness. The theory also has weaknesses: it is destructive to the community, and it is also judgemental about people(Wijaya 2020).

Kantianism Kantianism disputes that a person can be morally worth if he or she gets inspired by morality. If someone's emotions causes one to do something, then according to Kantianism, the action done cannot give them moral worth. German philosopher Immanuel Kant is the one most closely related to this theory. He was an opponent of utilitarianism. The leading proponent of this theory was Professor Elizabeth Anscombe in the twentieth century.

The strengths of this theory are that it provides a basis for human rights. It is also universal such that it provides laws that morally hold universally. The weaknesses include: The consequences of this theory might break the law. They also bring about conflicting duty where one is confused about what to choose to do. Divine Command Theory In this theory, good is determined by God's motives entirely from what he has commanded (Plaisted 2017).

This theory considers agent’s characters to whether they agree with Gods moral standards values. This theory is mostly related to philosophes known as, William of Ockham and Duns Scotus. The theory's strengths are that the theory has absolute rules, for example, the ten commandments. It also takes away human responsibility by following Gods law. The theory also has its weaknesses that include: In believing in God, whether he exists or not.

It's hard to make an atheist believe in a being that isn't real. The second weakness is that the theory conflicts with modern life and human laws. This theory is against homosexual for in Leviticus it is rebuked, but in human laws, all human rights are protected. References Plaisted, D. (2017). On justifying one’s acceptance of divine command theory.

International journal for philosophy of religion , 81 (3), . Savulescu, J., Persson, I., & Wilkinson, D. (2020). Utilitarianism and the pandemic. Bioethics , 34 (6), . Wijaya, I. (2020).

Treasure Hunt: Ethical Egoism vs Individual Anarchism. Kata Kita , 8 (1), .

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Comparison of Ethical Theories

Ethics serve as a crucial framework for individuals and societies to evaluate morality in decision-making. Various ethical theories provide diverse perspectives, presenting unique strengths and weaknesses. The most notable ethical theories include Utilitarianism, Ethical Egoism, the Ethics of Care, Kantianism, Prima Facie Duties, Divine Command Theory, and Virtue Theory. Understanding these theories enables individuals to navigate complex moral dilemmas by choosing a systematic approach to evaluate ethical issues.

1. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory primarily attributed to philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. It posits that the moral worth of an action is determined by its consequences, specifically aiming to maximize overall happiness (Savulescu et al., 2020). The principle can be summarized as "the greatest good for the greatest number."
Strengths:
- Utilitarianism emphasizes measurable outcomes, making it pragmatic and accessible to decision-makers.
- The theory encourages a holistic view of societal needs, promoting collective welfare over individual interests (Bai, 2020).
Weaknesses:
- Predicting consequences accurately is often impossible, leading to ethical uncertainties.
- The theory may neglect minority rights, resulting in moral dilemmas where the happiness of a majority justifies the suffering of a minority (Savulescu et al., 2020).

2. Ethical Egoism

Ethical Egoism argues that individuals are morally obligated to act in their own self-interest. Prominent proponents include Henry Sidgwick, who described the theory in his work "The Methods of Ethics."
Strengths:
- It emphasizes personal responsibility and self-awareness (Wijaya, 2020).
- Encouraging individuals to prioritize their needs can lead to a more fulfilled and motivated society.
Weaknesses:
- Ethical egoism can foster a divisive atmosphere, undermining community ties and social cohesion (Wijaya, 2020).
- It often fails to consider the effects of one's actions on others, which can lead to selfish behavior at the expense of others' well-being.

3. Ethics of Care

The Ethics of Care, founded by Carol Gilligan and Nel Noddings, highlights the importance of interpersonal relationships and the context of moral dilemmas. It posits that moral action centers around compassion and empathy, focusing on the connections between individuals rather than abstract principles.
Strengths:
- This theory humanizes ethics, emphasizing real-world applications over rigid rules.
- It addresses the complexities of human relationships, often overlooked in more rationalist ethical frameworks (Bai, 2020).
Weaknesses:
- Critics argue that it lacks a clear set of rules, leading to potential subjectivity (Gilligan, 1982).
- It may overlook moral obligations towards broader societal issues by focusing extensively on individual relationships.

4. Kantianism

Immanuel Kant's deontological ethical theory asserts that the morality of an action is grounded in the intentions behind it, rather than its consequences. Kant advocates for actions based on duty, universal laws, and respect for individual autonomy.
Strengths:
- The theory establishes a strong foundation for human rights, as it promotes universal moral laws that are applicable to all (Kant, 1785).
- It emphasizes moral integrity and the notion of acting out of duty rather than for personal gain.
Weaknesses:
- Kantianism can lead to rigid moral obligations that may conflict with human intuition or situational ethics (Paton, 2003).
- It might also produce conflicting duties, putting individuals in difficult positions when moral laws collide.

5. Prima Facie Duties

Developed by David Ross, Prima Facie Duties represent a pluralistic approach to ethics, acknowledging that various moral duties can exist simultaneously. Ross contends that we have several duties, such as fidelity, reparation, gratitude, and justice, each important but context-dependent.
Strengths:
- This approach allows for flexibility in moral reasoning, accommodating competing obligations based on specific circumstances.
- It recognizes the complexity of ethical situations where simple principles fail to suffice.
Weaknesses:
- Critics argue that the theory lacks clear guidance on resolving conflicts between prima facie duties, leading to potential moral ambiguity (Ross, 1930).
- There is a risk of subjective interpretation regarding which duties take precedence in dilemmas.

6. Divine Command Theory

Divine Command Theory posits that morality is rooted in the commands of God, deriving ethical principles from religious doctrines, such as the Ten Commandments.
Strengths:
- It provides absolute moral standards, which can offer clarity and unwavering guidance (Plaisted, 2017).
- The theory can foster a sense of community among followers of a particular faith, as shared beliefs serve as a unifying factor.
Weaknesses:
- There are challenges in accepting this theory in a pluralistic society where multiple beliefs exist.
- It raises questions about moral accountability; if morality depends on divine command, the nature of human responsibility becomes complex (Fletcher, 1966).

7. Virtue Theory

Virtue Theory, primarily associated with Aristotle, emphasizes the cultivation of moral character and virtues, rather than merely abiding by rules or focusing on consequences. This theory argues that ethical behavior arises from being virtuous, suggesting that a good life is one spent developing positive traits.
Strengths:
- Virtue Theory encourages holistic development, promoting qualities such as honesty, integrity, and compassion.
- It fosters personal growth and proliferation of moral character over rigid moral judgments (Bai, 2020).
Weaknesses:
- Virtue ethics may lack specific guidelines for decision-making in complex moral dilemmas (Hursthouse, 1999).
- It can be seen as elitist, privileging certain character traits influenced by culture and context (Hursthouse, 1999).

Conclusion

In the pursuit of ethical living, understanding various ethical theories allows individuals to navigate moral complexities while aligning their decisions with their values. Each theory offers unique insights into moral decision-making, emphasizing aspects such as outcomes, personal interests, relationships, duties, divine instruction, or virtues. By analyzing these theories' strengths and weaknesses, one can foster a more comprehensive ethical framework that informs and guides personal and societal conduct.

References

1. Bai, F. H. (2020). Does virtue lead to status? Testing the moral virtue theory of status attainment. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.
2. Fletcher, J. (1966). Situation Ethics: The New Morality. Philadelphia: Westminster Press.
3. Gilligan, C. (1982). In a Different Voice: Psychological Theory and Women’s Development. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
4. Hursthouse, R. (1999). Virtue Ethics. In Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
5. Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
6. Paton, H. J. (2003). The Moral Law: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Geneva: University Press.
7. Plaisted, D. (2017). On justifying one’s acceptance of divine command theory. International Journal for Philosophy of Religion, 81(3).
8. Ross, D. (1930). The Right and the Good. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
9. Savulescu, J., Persson, I., & Wilkinson, D. (2020). Utilitarianism and the pandemic. Bioethics, 34(6).
10. Wijaya, I. (2020). Treasure Hunt: Ethical Egoism vs Individual Anarchism. Kata Kita, 8(1).