This document provides an overview and comparison of three major ethical theories: virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. It defines each theory and discusses their key aspects. Virtue theory focuses on good character and moral integrity rather than consequences or duties. Utilitarianism suggests that an action is right if it produces the greatest good for the greatest number. Deontology holds that some actions are right or wrong based on inherent duties and moral rules, regardless of outcomes. The document notes that all three theories consider the consequences of actions, though it may not be their main focus.

1. Running head: ETHICS ESSAY 1
Individual:Ethics Essay
Ethics Essay
Ethical theory serves as the foundation for ethical solutions to the difficult situations
people encounter in life (Panza and Potthast, 2010). Ethical theory deals with how one should

2. ETHICS ESSAY 2
behave in relation to someone else. This paper will compare the similarities and difference
between virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics; ethics and morality of each theory
and conclude with my personal experience explaining the relationship between virtue, values,
and moral concepts as it relates to one of the three theories.
Virtue Theory
Virtue ethics also known as character ethics shows that character matter above everything
else. This theory places emphasis on the role of character and virtue in moral philosophy rather
than doing one’s duty or acting in order to bring about good consequences. This approach also
focuses more on the integrity of the person than the decision or behavior itself (Trevino &
Nelson, 2011).
No matter the situation a virtuous person is someone whose kind; not because they are
out to gain favors or do their duty but because this is their character. Unlike deontological
theories, theories of virtue ethics do not aim primarily to identify universal principles that can be
applied in any moral situations (Athanassoulis, 2010).
Morality deals with one’s actions to the extent that other people are affected. It requires
one to consider others for who they are and not because they may benefit them. Virtue ethics
according to morality is self-centered because it main focus is with its own character and well-
being. Instead of being too self-centered, virtue ethics unifies what is required by morality and
what is required by self-interest.
Utilitarianism
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 or in other words “the greatest

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good for the greatest number” (Boylan, 2009). This is a form of consequentialism, meaning that
moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome. The Utilitarianism view is “the end
justifies the means” and that outcomes as a result of an action has a greater value compared to
the later. Ethically one should take advantage of happiness for the good of the society. This
approach can also be selfish in nature as it gears on judgments more ideal to the philosopher.
Deontological
This approach focuses on right or wrong of actions as opposed to the right or wrong of
the consequences of those actions. The morality of deontology is based on certain duties or
obligations. The deontological view holds that some actions cannot be justified by their
consequences. In short, for the deontologist, the ends do not justify the means (seven pillars
institute, nd).
Deontology and Utilitarianism are both moral theories, which refer to rules, moral laws,
and intuition. Human beings have a moral obligation to follow certain principles and allow
people to act above and beyond the base prerequisite of the rules. However, how to rank duties
are not always clarified and this can cause disastrousproblems.
Similarities
Each one of these ethical theories shares the consequence of action. It may not be the
main focus of the action, but the outcome of the action’s consequences is primary as a result.

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Reference
Athanassoulis, Nafsika. (2010). Virtue Ethics. Retrieved 8 January 13 from
http://www.iep.utm.edu/virtue/.
Boylan, M. (2009).Basic ethics: Basic ethics in action (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ:
Pearson.
Moral Theories. (nd). Retrieved 9 January 2013 from http://sevenpillarsinstitute.org/morality-
101/moral-traditions.
Panza, Christopher &Potthast, Adam.(2010). Ethics for Dummies. Retrieved 8 January 13 from
http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/a-snapshot-of-key-ethical-theories.html.
Trevino, L.K. & Nelson, K.A. (2011).Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it
right (5th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons.

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