The Ethical Theories of Utilitarianism - Essay Example

The main similarity between the three theories of utilitarianism, deontological ethics and virtue theory is that they all attempt to try and set a common standard by which an individual who is considered to be a good moral person can live within a given community (Manias et al, 2013).

Virtue ethics measure morality in an individual by using aspects such as moral standing and character within a given community so as to effectively determine the individual’s goodness Devettere (2002), this is similar to deontology whereby a person is considered to be good and moral in the event that their actions within a given community are considered to be the right choice and as such, the actions are good and moral (Tännsjö, 2013). In utilitarianism, individuals are encouraged to base their actions and decisions on what action will ultimately be in the best interest of the majority of people (Manias et al, 2013).

The common ground between these three theories is based on morality and goodness as is perceived by other individuals within the wider community. The three theories of deontological ethics, virtue theory and utilitarianism can also be seen to be similar in that they all share the same consequence of action. Although it might not be the main focus of the action, the outcomes of the action’s consequences are considered to be primary as a result. All these theories work towards what is being perceived to be the best result depending on exactly what someone else happens to believe that the best results may be.

The main difference between the three theories of utilitarianism, deontological ethics and virtue ethics is that deontological ethics are primarily based on a fixed moral law and duty, utilitarianism on the other hand is based on enlightened self-interest, or simply what serves to make us all happy, and in virtue ethics, one view the aspect of being good as an art that is learnt (Devettere, 2002).ConclusionThe ethical theories of utilitarianism, deontological ethics and virtue theory all deal with the question as to how human beings should try to behave in relation to each other.

Between them, these theories have a number of similarities such as the fact that they all share the same consequence of action. They are also seen to be based on what will be considered to be goodness and morality across the community. However, they also have a number of differences that mainly pertain to the basis on which each of these three ethical theories was formed.