Johnson PHIL 200 B001 Assignment 3 Moral Compass

.docx

School

American Public University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

200

Subject

Philosophy

Date

Dec 6, 2023

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by EarlSandpiper754

Running Head: MORAL COMPASS 1 Moral Compass Wendy Johnson American Public University PHIL 200 July 21, 2021

Running head: MORAL COMPASS 2 Moral Compass Theories The moral theories I will use to build my compass include deontology, utilitarianism, common good, and virtue. Deontology is a theory that uses rules to determine which actions are good and which ones are bad ( Lazar, 2017) . Actions that follow the set rules are considered ethical, while those that do not are unethical. Deontology requires that people obey the rules and do their duty. Utilitarianism is a moral theory that encourages actions that promote happiness or pleasure and is against actions that bring about unhappiness or harm. This theory determines right from wrong by looking at the outcome of an action ( Scarre, 2020) . If the action produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people, then it is right, but it is bad if the outcome causes sadness for a great number. Common good theory suggests those actions that benefit all community members are ethical, and those that do not are unethical ( Berendt, 2019) . This theory considers all individuals as part of the larger community. Moreover, this theory focuses on whether an action benefits or wears down a particular element of the common good. Virtue theory suggests that individuals acquire certain qualities through practice. These values include honesty, generosity, loyalty, and wisdom. Through practice, an individual develops honorable and moral character ( Fabiano, 2021). Actions that display virtuous character are regarded as good. Explanation I can use deontology at school to help me make the right decision. For example, I can use deontology to follow the school rules. One of the school rules states that exam cheating is wrong.

Running head: MORAL COMPASS 3 Using deontology, I can remind myself that exam cheating is unethical, which can help me avoid such action. The utilitarian approach can help me make decisions that involve my family members. For example, my parents usually take care of everything so that my siblings and I can concentrate on our studies. In utilitarianism, I can decide to find a part-time job that does not interfere with my studies to help with some of the bills. Such action would be beneficial to my whole family, and it would make everyone happy. Using common good theory, I can decide to help my community by offering to tutor kids in various subjects. This action can help kids succeed in their education. As they become educated, they grow up to be responsible members of the community who can contribute to the growth and development of the community and nation. The virtue theory can help me make the right decisions at work. One virtue that I admire is excellence. I aim to practice excellence in all my duties, even when I am under minimal supervision. This means that I choose to do my best in all activities, and as I do this, I am sure that excellence will become a part of me. Markkula Framework for Decision Making Step 1: Identify an Ethical Issue The ethical issue concerns a friend who is having challenges completing her English research paper due in a few days. If my friend does not do well in the English class, her financial aid will be compromised, and without the aid, she cannot afford school. A classmate offers to write the research paper for my friend at a small fee and guarantees that she will get an "A." My friend’s decision involves choosing to lose her integrity and keeping her financial aid or losing her financial aid and keeping her integrity. Step 2: Get the Facts

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help