I Introduction Ethics by definition comprise the beliefs and values behind an individual’s actions, in addition to being the philosophical study of such moral principles (Dictionary.com, 2017). Therefore, the purpose behind studying ethics is to improve the quality of life of mankind, while creating a moral structure to follow and promote (Kraut, 2014). Throughout history, many philosophers have contributed to the study of ethics; however, Aristotle, Immanual Kant, and John Stuart Mill have substantially contributed to their respective ethical views. Firstly, Aristotle was a proponent of virtue ethics, which is about character. Secondly, Immanual Kant was an advocate of deontological ethics, which is about duty. Lastly, John Stuart Mill was a supporter of utilitarian ethics, which states the best actions create the greatest good.
II Aristotle on Aristotelian Ethics Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, born in 384 BC, was Plato’s start pupil, whom later taught his own curriculum to his students at the Lyceum (History, 2017). In addition, Aristotle also provided research in marine biology, and spent time tutoring Alexander the Great (History, 2017). As a philosopher, Aristotle published two works regarding ethics, Nicomachean Ethics and Eudemian Ethics, which were about the virtue of character,
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Moreover, Kant was a proponent of deontological ethics, which states that the responsibilities, obligations, commitments, and ultimately our duties are what guide us down the proper journey, rather than the fear or potential consequences (Desjardins, 2009, p. 35). Converse to utilitarianism, where individuals receive scrutiny for their actions, deontology states that when acting on duty or obligation, consequences are irrelevant (Desjardins, 2009, p.
In this paper I am going to attempt to answer a question utilizing a little help from one of two philosophers. First of all the question I will be answering is “Should the moral value of an action be determined by the intentions/character that inspire the action, or the consequences that result from the action?” Second, the philosophers I am going to discuss throughout this paper are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Now before I tell you my answer to this question I am going to explain these who these two philosophers are and what their viewpoints on ethics are.
This deontological perspective focuses primarily on the intention of our actions, rather than the consequence. Under the categorical imperative, one must follow formulations in order to make rational ethical decisions. The first formulation states that any act that you commit must become universal. If that act cannot become universal, then we must refrain from it. For example, in making a decision on whether or not to steal, one must ask if it would be acceptable to them if someone were to steal from them. In making an act universal, we must imagine a world in which the act is always permissible. The second formulation proclaims that you may not use any human being, including oneself, as a mere means. This explains that you cannot use any form of humanity as merely an object or tool, regardless of independent desires or passions. Kant also
John Stuart Mill and Emmanuel Kant would have very easy explanations on their views on the following case: Amy is very hungry, and considers the following plan: walk into a restaurant, order and eat the food, and walk out without paying. The wrongness of the act is practically self-explanatory. It is wrong to get away with a service that needs to be paid for. Aside from the fact that such act is illegal, because after all, Amy would technically be stealing from the restaurant, it is also morally wrong. Following the consideration of whether the act is wrong, Mill has a better explanation of why it is than Kant.
First, it is important to define ethics and how its components play an extensive role in our society. The term ethics is defined as “Moral principles that govern a person 's behaviour or the conducting of an activity.” (Oxford); ethical decisions are the ones that per se determine whether or not murder is wrong. Likewise, ethics consists of different ramifications and perspectives from many philosophers. Moreover,
Deontological ethics is sometimes called duty-based ethics, which is a branch of ethics that believes people's actions should be based on rules about right and wrong. People who subscribe to deontological ethics believe that actions should be taken or not taken based on these rules about right and wrong (Mohn, E. 2016). A Deontologist looks at the reason that the act is done rather than looking at the consequences (Mossser, 2013).
Deontology is an ethical theory concerned with duties and rights. The founder of deontological ethics was a German philosopher named Immanuel Kant. Kant’s deontological perspective implies people are sensitive to moral duties that require or prohibit certain behaviors, irrespective of the consequences (Tanner, Medin, & Iliev, 2008). The main focus of deontology is duty: deontology is derived from the Greek word deon, meaning duty. A duty is morally mandated action, for instance, the duty never to lie and always to keep your word. Based on Kant, even when individuals do not want to act on duty they are ethically obligated to do so (Rich, 2008).
| Regardless of consequences, certain moral principles are binding, focusing on duty rather than results or moral obligation over what the individual would prefer to do (Treviño & Nelson, 2007, Ch. 4).In ethics, deontological ethics, or deontology (Greek: deon meaning obligation or duty), is a theory holding that decisions should be made solely or primarily by considering one's duties and the rights of others. Some systems are based on biblical or tenets from sacred.
Kantian deontology is a form of duty-based ethics. This is in contrast to utilitarianism, which focuses on consequences (Kay 4). Kant rejected utilitarianism, because it focused on the results of the action rather than its nature. Since no one can know the result of an action with certainty, no one should be praised or blamed for the result of that action, according to Kant (Kay 4). In other words, moral evaluation should occur in the willing rather than in the achieving. Kant wants to spread the notion that actions should be morally evaluated based on what humans can control (Kay 4). And Kant believes that what humans can control is their will.
Ethics refers to what people consider good or bad and right or wrong. It is a theory dealing with values that relate to human behaviour; with respect to their actions and purpose. The two most important philosophers that deal with ethics are Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. Kant’s ethical theory is Kantianism or deontological ethics. Mill’s ethical theory is utilitarianism. Both philosophers’ theories have many differences; Kant’s theory deals with conduct, seeking reason for good action in duty. Mill’s theory deals with consequences and maximizing human happiness. However both Kant and Mill’s ethics relate to the important biblical principal of the Golden Rule.
What is the appropriate action? It is a controversial question that is a focal point for moral and ethical codes. Morals and ethics is, of course, a subject that runs deep in the discussion of philosophy. People are faced with moral dilemmas everyday, which many times society decides without thoroughly exploring their options. Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Plato, and Aristotle are philosophers that focus on the topic of ethics, yet all have different outlooks.
Philosophybasics.com - Deontology, also known as “duty-bound” ethics, mainly focuses on the rightness or wrongness of an action, as opposed to the rightness or wrongness of the consequence of the action. In short, Deontology teaches that any act is ethical as long as it adheres to the moral
Deontology as promoted by Kant on the other hand denies that the right action is the one that produces the best consequences. It is based on a set of moral rules, and the right action is supposed to be the one that conforms with these rules, whereas certain other types of action are morally forbidden. Deontology seems to appeal to common sense as duties include special obligations to family and
Historically ethics was studied from a philosophical aspect and viewed as the science of morals. Ethics had been defined as the principles of moral conduct that govern our behavior. Our ethical behavior is developed from various factors, to include our environment, family and beliefs. The origins of ethics can be traced back to the fifth century, BC ( Banner, 1968, pg.67). Plato, Socrates and Aristotle are among the early teachers of ethics.
Immanuel Kant's deonotological ethical theory assesses if actions are moral based on the person's will or intention of acting. Kant's theory can be categorized as a deonotological because "actions are not assessed to be morally
Aristotle wrote the first book ever written about ethics titles “The Nicomachean Ethics,” and it is still one of the greatest and most influential. Its purpose is to teach us to be virtuous rather than to understand what virtue is. (Aristotle, 2009)