Portfolio 2 – Ethical Theories and Approaches

Portfolio 2 – Ethical Theories and Approaches.

Introduction. Aristotle Statue. Three Ethical theories or Approaches Virtue Ethics Utilitarian Approach Common Good Approach.

Virtue ethics.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle developed a philosophical approach to ethics called Virtue Ethics, which emphasizes living a moral life through the cultivation of virtuous character traits. According to Aristotle, Virtue Ethics encourages individuals to self-examine, gain a clear perspective of the world, and make sound judgments and decisions in life..

Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that prioritizes the development of good character traits for leading a virtuous life, rather than focusing on rules or consequences. It promotes nurturing virtues such as honesty, compassion, courage, and wisdom, and encourages individuals to act in accordance with these virtues in their daily lives ..

Utilitarian Approach.

Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that argues that the best action is one that maximizes happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. It is a form of consequentialism, as it emphasizes the outcome of an action in determining right or wrong..

Utilitarianism was introduced by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries and remains a significant ethical approach in contemporary moral philosophy despite debates and criticisms. It has been applied to various fields..

The Common good approach.

The Common Good Approach is a philosophical and ethical concept that prioritizes the overall well-being and welfare of society as a whole, rather than individual interests or narrow group interests..

Summary. Virtue ethics emphasizes the importance of developing good character traits to lead a virtuous life. The utilitarian A pproach suggests that the best course of action is the one that maximizes overall well-being and minimizes suffering for the greatest number of people. The common good approach emphasizes the importance of promoting the well-being of the community as a whole. The essay provides examples of each approach to illustrate their application in ethical decision-making..

The end.