Introduction
Throughout the history of humanity, a variety of concepts explaining ethics and morality existed. Among some of the most significant of these concepts are virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological ethics. In the following paper, different outlooks on ethics and morality will be examined on the basis of the three above-mentioned ethical theories. Generally, evaluating the facts, it appears that the concepts of morality and ethics by all the three theories under consideration have their valuable points and simply seem to discuss these notions from different angles that do not contradict each other.
The virtue theory and its concept of ethics and morality
Discussing the virtue theory and its concept of ethics and morality, it should be stated that its main statement explains morality as a result of the person’s character featuring particular qualities both positive and negative. In other words, the individual’s character causes his or her acts whether they are moral or immoral. A person of virtue acts morally, a person of wickedness acts badly.
Utilitarianism and its concept of ethics and morality
With regards to utilitarianism and its concept of ethics and morality, it is connected with the outcomes of any particular action. Namely, if the action results in something good, it can be considered to be a moral and ethical one. Thus, this theory evaluates events that are happening judging on their outcomes.
Deontological ethics and its concept of ethics and morality
Evaluating deontological ethics and its concept of ethics and morality, it appears that this theory explains these notions on the basis of rules, laws and regulations. If the action corresponds to the standards set by either rule, law, obligation, principle, or regulation, it can be considered to be moral and ethical.
A personal experience to explain the relationship between virtue, values, and moral concepts as it relates to deontological ethics
Finally, to illustrate that all of these theories actually do not contradict each other and they only seem to view their object from different angles some of my personal experiences will be discussed. This experience is connected to something that is very common to all the students, and particularly, it is passing an exam. There always exists a temptation to cheat during the exam to make one’s life easier. One day I had to pass some of the most difficult exams in my life, and it was a great temptation for me to use some illegal strategy. However, as an obedient person, I decided to obey rules and regulations. As a result, from the point of view of deontological ethics, I acted morally. It is also interesting that my actions can be evaluated as moral and ethical from the point of view of the other theories under consideration. In particular, my character did not let me act immorally; thus, my behavior is approved by the virtue theory. In addition, as I conscientiously learned all the information for passing this exam I was able to expand my body of theoretical and practical knowledge that helped in my future studies and would definitely help in my future life. As a result, this act led to positive consequences for me; thus, it can be evaluated as a moral and ethical one from the point of view of utilitarianism.
Conclusion
Concluding on all the above-discussed information, it should be stated that morality and ethics are explained in different ways by different theories. However, a measure of similarity can be seen between numerous ethical theories which seem to discuss analogous things from different angles. The example of this phenomenon is seen in comparing the vision of morality and ethics by deontological ethics, utilitarianism, and virtue theory.