Comparison and Contrast Theories (Essay Sample)

Comparing and Contrasting Theories (Ethics)
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Ethical relativism with egoism
Ethical relativism is the view, which shows the ethical beliefs, and values are relative to the different societies or the individuals that hold them. This means that the right or the wrong of an action primarily depends on the moral norms of the culture and society in which they are practiced. It may also imply that one action may be right in one society but wrong in another. Hence, there are not moral standards that can apply to everyone at a go (Laudan, 1996). On the other hand, ethical egoism claims that everyone should act in his or her own interest. Arguments in this theory dictate that each of us acts selfish thus, we all should therefore act selfishly. This means that as everyone else will be selfish then you as an individual should be selfish too otherwise you will lose out. It shows that if each of us look into our own interests then everyone else will be better off. Ethical egoism determines that the society can only benefit when the individuals put their self-interest first (Hills, 2010).
Ethical relativism and egoism contrasts based on perceptions since ethical egoism terms to be normative while ethical relativism proves to be psychological. Egoism depends on the peoples own interests while relativism relies on the norms of the societies and the individuals. However, the two theories compare since both can adapt the individualistic perception of the norms and values to hold on and beliefs. The individuals make up a society; hence, their own interests make up the laws.
Natural law theory with virtue ethics
Virtue ethics central theme emphasizes on the character development instead of trying to define the right or the goodness of an act. It holds happiness to be the highest goal, Aristotle quotes that "we are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." Virtue is equal to or is similar to excellence. To attain happiness we cultivate moral virtues and intellectual virtue. Through habits, we develop a habit that consistently and deliberately choose between efficiency and excess until it does become a second nature. Through doing good we become good as well as through practicing virtuous acts we become virtuous. A person learns to see what is right no rule applies for it (Nelson, 1992).
Natural law is a custom law that is similar for each and everyone at the same time everywhere. It is a concept that is recognizable by human reason alone and common to all humankind. In summary, natural law theo...