3 Theories of Ethics

Question 1

Utilitarianism

Answer 1

”Right” is whatever results in the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people (Ex. “Execute people infected with Ebola, so the rest of us won’t die.”).

Question 2

Deontological Ethics

Answer 2

”Right” is whatever fulfills a basic moral obligation or duty, regardless of outcome (Ex. “We can’t just execute people; we have an obligation to uphold human life, even if it means more people get sick.”).

Question 3

Virtue Ethics

Answer 3

”Right” is good motivations that build habits of good character (Ex. “Giving money to charity is fine, but it’s only a ‘morally good’ action if you’re doing it out of genuine care for the poor, and to be a generous person, not just to fulfill a duty.”).