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Pros and Cons of Ethical Theories

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Give pro/con/neutral characteristics of the three basic types of ethical theories or conceptual models:
?Consequentialism (Egoism or Utilitarianism),
?Rights theory (Kantian moral imperative and Social Contract theory),
?Virtue or Human Nature potentials theory.

I need help grasping these theories.

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Solution Summary

The solution summarizes, defines and explains ethical theories (see long description/original problem) in order to provide students the means to understand the pros and cons of said theories especially in their application. Consequentialist Models, Rights Theories and Virtue theories are presented. References are provided. The solution is in the form of an APA-format essay. References are provided. A word version is attached foe easy printing.

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Dear Student,
I have made the solution below as concise as possible for you and should be enough to get you started. I am sure you have materials explaining these theories but just in case, the references lists other resources online and in print which might be of use to you. Good luck!

Sincerely,
OTA 105878/Xenia Jones
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Ethical Theories

There are, according to Philosopher Gordon Graham (2004), 8 theories of ethics (that branch of philosophy that addresses morality via critical inquiry): religious ethics, consequentialism, hedonism, Kantianism, naturalism, utilitarianism, egoism, existentialism & contractualism. These 8 theories fall under the 3 major normative ethical systems that helps people answering questions like ,"What makes an act right or wrong?" and several particular viewpoints that are based upon them. Mostly, they fall into the two major groups, teleological and deontological ethics. However some argue that the third group - virtue ethics is also as important as it emphasizes the character of the moral agent, a classic Aristotelian view.

The Consequentialist Model

The consequentialist model is better understood as 'the end justifies the means approach'. It falls under the deontological viewpoint being that deontology gives weight to the rightness of the results. Egoism and Utilitarianism are consequentialist in that the result of the act justifies the act itself. To define:

? Utilitarianism - an ethical position opposite of the Kantian view, it declares that the moral worth of ...

Solution provided by:
Xenia Rochelle Jones, MA, PhD (IP)
Education
  • MPhil/PhD (IP), Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • MA, Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
  • Certificate, Geva Ulpan (via Universita Tel Aviv)
  • BA, University of the Philippines
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