A Moral Reasoning Perspective on Ethical Theories (Essay Sample)

A moral reasoning perspective on ethical theories
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Introduction
Several scholars and fundamentalists coined various theories and concepts some of which were contradictory in nature in an effort to put into perspective some of the most puzzling human behaviors and tendencies. Ethical theories basically provide the much needed viewpoint from which various acts in the society can be scrutinized CITATION Pen95 \l 1033 (Penslar, 1995). Different theories lay so much emphasis on quit varied stages of human actions with some stressing on the individual efforts while others were being more inclined toward the outcome of various courses of action. It is however important to underscore the fact that the fundamental obligation of all the ethical theories was to guide individuals and enable them make ethically sound decisions irrespective of the theory they subscribe to as this paper seeks to deeply elaborate.
The theory of virtue ethics lays a lot of emphasis on an individual’s character to determine the nature of his or her action as an ethical behavior or otherwise by taking into consideration the said individual’s reputation CITATION Pen95 \l 1033 (Penslar, 1995). While looking at an irregular behavior committed by the said individual no serious thought is given to the act itself. Previous documentation by both Plato and Aristotle laid the groundwork for the conceptualization of this theory which focuses more on the actions of individuals and the intent of the said transgressions.
Utilitarianism on the other hand delves more into the outcomes or consequences of certain actions with the ethically correct in its book being those that yield the greatest benefit to a large number of people while diminishing suffering in the same breath CITATION Rid98 \l 1033 (Ridley, 1998). The most prominent proponent of this theory would be John Stuart Mill who sensationally alluded to the fact that ethically sound acts were those which would not negatively impact on those at the receiving end. The theory’s tendency to predict the future can however be considered as its greatest flaw since such predictions may not see the light of day.
The social contract theory however envisions a system where authority is delegated to various institutions which are charged with the responsibility of ensuring peace and stability within their area of jurisdiction CITATION Swi07 \l 1033 (Swinburne, 2007). Such kinds of arrangements are unanimously agreed upon by members of the given society with the intension of fostering cohesion among them. This theory can also be linked to Hugo Grotius who emphasized on the importance of formulating laws and bodies to implement them so as to enable members enjoy their rights and liberties in utmost tranquility CITATION Swi07 \l 1033 (Swinburne, 2007).
The theory of Deontology looks at the ethical standing of any action in society by establishing weather they are in accordance with the rules and regulations, laid down procedure or weather the actors are bound by obligation or duty CITATION Pen95 \l 1033 (Penslar, 1995). A strict adherence to the law, acts of sufficient consideration and goodwill are considered as some of the hallmarks of this ethical theory which was brought to the limelight by the works of ethicists such as Immanuel Kant. The theory also provides a framework for the assumption of certain obligations to certain people in varied units for instance; the obligation of a father to protect the family.
The Hindu doctrine of ethics emulated deontology in the sense that it holds religious and moral duties of individuals and their virtue in with high regards CITATION Rid98 \l 1033 (Ridley, 1998). The doctrine also looks at sacred laws which connote the general ideas of honesty decency and respect often referred to as dharma CITATION Pen95 \l 1033 (Penslar, 1995). Buddhism on the other hand do not believe in the existence of a supernatural being to take care of their problems and hence they spend a lot of time formulating practices which can be deemed ethical in nature including staying away from things which could cause suffering hence borrowing a leaf from deontology.
Deontology with divine authority basically categorizes the moral standing of actions in accordance with the dictates of God in the Christian version or those of Allah in the Muslim version CITATION Swi07 \l 1033 (Swinburne, 2007). The three sets of faith basically worship the God of Adam, Abraham and Moses hence the ethical standing on good or bad are pretty much standard for the three. Relativism as an ethical theory is not bound by absolute truth and would be greatly impacted by prevailing circumstances and perceptions CITATION Rid98 \l 1033 (Ridley, 1998). Both individual and cultural relativists consider certain acts as ethical if they conform to their specific line of thought or the state of affairs at that particular moment.
Strict adherence to the rule of law has for a long time characterize the behavior of many American societies and still continue to do so. A complete hierarchy with the most basic unit being the family has also been entrenched into these societies with a couple of responsibilities assigned to those who lead such outfits. A couple of selfless acts by a reasonable number of citizens have also been witnessed especially during national disasters such as hurricanes, fire outbreaks and even terror attacks. Nothing best exemplifies the dictates of deontology better than these instances and hence the most prevalent ethical theory in the United States is deontol...