Moral Philosophy (Essay Sample)

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Moral Philosophy
Comparing and contrasting utilitarianism, right and virtue ethics theories
Utilitarianism is a theory that views actions of an individual by their consequence. It focuses on the results of the action and not on the plan. The right theory, on the other hand, focuses on action of an individual based on set moral rights which all human possess for being human. Virtual values consider actions that are either right or wrong based on traditional virtues that make a good person. These three theories are similar in that all focuses on the actions of human beings: focusing closely on the rightness or wrongness of actions (Rachels, 43). The three theories are guided by the same principle which is aiming at achieving happiness. As the virtual ethic by Aristotle confirms, the ultimate end of human action is happiness.
Similarly, the utilitarian first principle is the principle of utility which gives more emphasis on working to achieve the greatest happiness. This principle is also called the greatest happiness principle. The right values theory stresses on the fulfillment and provision of the human right and justice (Raz, 56). The theories also compare in that the all oppose the denial or wrongness of action. The utilitarianism philosophers stress on the importance of the rightness/ correctness of the outcomes of actions. In other words, they stress on the best results and not the purpose of the actions since the outcome maximizes the good. The right-based theorists, similarly, emphasizes on ‘positive right', a duty that requires a positive action. In the same accord, the virtue ethics emphasize on acting in accordance with reason in order to achieve happiness: the rightness in action and living which lead to the fulfillment of life through the achievement of joy that is the ultimate goal of traditional virtue.
In contrast, while the utilitarianism focuses on the results or the results of one's actions, the other two, that is, the virtue ethics and the right-based theorist focuses on the actions that determine the result. In utilitarianism, one looks at the result to determine the rightness or wrongness of an action, while, on virtue ethics, one looks at the actions to determine their morality according to the traditional virtue. While, utilitarianism evaluates the situation/ action in response to the result, virtue ethics and right gives more emphasis on the action themselves as stipulated by the human rights law traditional virtues.
Utilitarianism can justify the killing of one person to save many, but a right-based theorist can view the action as a violation of another's right (Rachels, 76). However, a virtual ethic theorist can have a different opinion on the same. In this example, the utilitarianism looks at the result of saving many lives while the right-based theorist sees the action as a violation of the human right to life. The utilitarianism theory fails to account for the wrongness of an action despite a best result since they rely on the phrase that, the results justifies the means. Utilitarianism promoted immorality in actions whose consequences outweigh the action (Salmond, 124). For example, an act of abortion, according to the utilitarianism, if the results are better than the actions disadvantages. Other actions that utilitarianism supports in a different context would include murder, corruption, slavery, stealing among others if their results are useful to the society. However, all these actions are virtually immoral in accordance to traditional virtues and some such as slavery and murder are against human rights law.
Though utilitarianism seems to be mostly practiced in the society, in most cases, it is a form of deviance to the societal values and standards. It makes it a debatable theory as the definition of what action or result is wrong or right is relative. In that accord, therefore, my opinion leans on the virtue ethics theory. The theory that states that right and wrong are determined by acting in accordance with cultural/ traditional values. They only stress on morality in the society through the observation of its standards and values. The main focus as advocated by Aristotle is an individual's character and its excellence. This theory pays attention to the reason as to why and/ or how individuals should behave by emphasizing a rational character guided by purpose founded on reality, bearing in mind the important conduct attached to the golden rule aimed at achieving ultimate happiness (Yearley, 61). The theory considers a repeated character to excel in one-self and become a positive habit of behavior which yields happiness.
These behaviors are guided by rationality, the ability to reason on the virtues that are essential and distinguish human beings giving them moral responsibilities and rights. What person does best is contemplate on an extreme vice and or a vice of deficiency and consistently build on that character in every situation. It demands the understanding of cultural relativism and the respect of different beliefs and actions of others and through logical implication conform to our own cultures. Individuals should, therefore, have no prejudice or discrimination to other cultures but respect and preserve cultural freedom and diversity.
It is of great importance to balance virtues as they lay between two extreme vices. According to Aristotle, despite bravery being a virtue, it can be flanked on either side by cowardice and imprudence on the other. His view was not on the motive and consequences of action but rather on what natures and nourishes human beings (Yearley, 96). Individuals are required to identify the correct reasoning and then predict the precise result that leads to the excellence of human beings. It is only acting in a morally approved action that is accepted and acknowledged by the society. It means modeling the behavior of performance that brings Excellency and joy (Rachels, 123). In my life, the use of this theory is on the most important societal accepted values of conformity. For example, the acquisition of wealth, a prime motive of the American life and dream, is achievable through illegal means such as stealing and corruption. However, my conformity to the best action and desired mode of action by attending college and acquire a degree and later secure a job based on my qualification stands out as a good example of personal use of this theory in my life.
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