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Week 1: Ethics Essay

Ethics
Mr. Jeffrey Wisdom
Week 1/Ethics Essay
Frederick R. Paige III












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Websters dictionary defines ethics as moral principles that govern a persons or groups
behavior and the moral correctness of specified conduct. In this paper we will discuss the
differences and similarities between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and the deontological ethics. I
will describe how each theory addresses ethics and morality and give a personal experience as it
relates to utilitarianism.
Virtue can be defined as showing a high moral standard towards people and things.
Aspects and traits of virtue are wisdom, justice, self-control, courage, loyalty, and patience.
These characteristics of virtue are religious and non-religious. For example, an athlete who
shows patience on the field within his or her perspective sport can evaluate the characteristic of
self-control in a sports atmosphere. It can also be defined as a religious individual who shows
self-control by refraining from sin in their respective religion. For example, it is morally wrong
for a Jew to consume pork because pork is thought of to be an unclean thing in that religion.
Do we judge a person to be good (or not) based upon some single pivotal action? Or do we take
a longer look at a persons character over time? (Boylan, 2009). This is an issue that is
addressed regarding the controversy of virtue.
According to Boylan (2009) utilitarianism is a theory that suggests that an action is
morally right when that action produces more total utility for the group than any other
alternative. For example, the common phrase used in a sports environment is there is no I in
the word team. This meaning that putting the team in front of you is considered a measure of
sacrifice for the good of the team. The moral concept of this theory is having to sacrifice
personal acceptance and goals for the benefit of a greater good.
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Boylan (2009) stated, deontology is a moral theory that emphasizes ones duty to do a
particular action just because the action, itself, is inherently right and not through any other sorts
of calculationssuch as the consequences of the action. This theory contrasts with
utilitarianism because it does not have reasoning for performing that certain moral action
whereas utilitarianism does. Deontology is a more commanding of the three ethical virtues.
Deontology commands doing what is right without reasoning and calculations of consequences.
The military is a strong example of deontology in which they use words like duty, obligation,
sacrifice, and necessity. Soldiers are trained using these words to instill in them a disciple which
good morale standards are applicable. The concept of doing what needs to be done without
reasoning is a foundation that military principles are built upon, along with duty to country and
morale standards.
While serving in the military I was confronted with a situation where I was asked who
should be promoted, myself or someone else? The reason my superior asked me this question is
because we were friends and had many things in common; which led us to be together outside of
work and develop an off-duty relationship. The decision I made was to give the promotion to
someone else. Even though I felt somewhat conflicted in this decision, I choose to pass myself
over because I wanted something better for the organization. I did not feel I was ready for the
responsibility that came with the promotion and giving it to someone more deserving would be
beneficial to everyone. I exercised the virtue of patience, self-control and wisdom, because
knowing I would be promoted soon after did not bother me. This is my personal example of
utilitarianism; knowing that my sacrifice for the good of the team made the team even better.


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References
Boylan, M. (2009). Basic Ethics (2
nd
ed.)