Essay About Ethical Theory You Think And Preferred Theory

Choose the Ethical Theory You Think Is Most Important and Expand on Your Opinion Why – Research Paper – Andrew James Sammut
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Choose the Ethical Theory You Think Is Most Important and Expand on Your Opinion Why
Introduction
In the words of Sir Gavin de Beer, a British evolutionary embryologist, “The scientific method is nothing but the exclusion of subjective opinions as far as possible by the devising of experiments where observation can give objective answers, yes or no.”

I chose to start with this quote in order to make it clear that throughout this assignment I will by no means assume that my subjective opinion is equal to any objective truth and that I have not devised any experiments to corroborate my preference. The importance I attach to preferred theory is based solely on my own values and beliefs.

In order to discuss my preferred theory, I will start with a brief background into the basic definition of bioethics and theories pertaining to this field of study; then I will elaborate on my preferred ethical theory and discuss the reasons behind my preference.

Bioethics overview
According one definition, Bioethics is ‘the study of moral and social implications of techniques resulting from advances in biological sciences.’ Bioethics might be regarded as a subfield of the branch of philosophy called ‘ethics’ whereby morals are used to determine what is right and what is wrong. This is not a modern field. According to Toby Schonfeld, bioethics is thinking about values that imbue healthcare science and technology. Bioethicists are concerned with the ethical questions that arise in the relationships among life sciences, biotechnology, medicine, politics, law, and philosophy.

Ethical Theories
Relating to what we should do with biological knowledge, ethical theories are used in specific situations to provide the framework that can be used to evaluate an issue. It offers a common approach to various problems

and aids with consistence in decision making.
In general, an ethical theory is the process by which we justify a particular ethical decision. It is a means by which we answer the question “What should I do?” The main purpose of a theory is to provide consistency and coherence in our decision making. When we have a theory we don’t need to figure out where to begin each time we meet a new problem. We will see how different values relate to each other. If we are consistent and coherent in our decision making, we will have a greater degree of internal unity and integrity in our decision making. Given the complexity of problems to be addressed, these qualities are extremely worthwhile.

Ethical Theories can be broken down into two broad categories. There is Character based ethical theories and there is Action based ethical theories.
Character based ethical theories look at character traits and human relationships. They ask questions like: Who is a good person? or What would a good person do? Fields of virtue ethics, relationality and responsibility, ethics of caring such as ethics of caring all use character based theories. Character based theories are however criticized because they are very subjective and very relative.

More commonly Action based ethical theories are used. These are the ethics of doing. What is the right thing to do? Or what is the good thing to do? In an action based ethical theory you can evaluate the means (the actual behavior) or the ends (the consequences of that behavior). Action based ethical theories are broken into two groups: Deontological ethical theory and Utilitarian ethical theory.

Deontology, with its roots in Kant, the correct ethical course is to follow duties regardless of their outcomes. Rightness is determined by features of acts other than their outcomes. An example of deontology is the Judea-Christian Ten Commandments. These commandments say you should not murder. This is not a suggestion. It doesn’t matter that you are killing someone to protect someone else. It does not matter whether it is self-defense. You should never do it.

Utilitarians look at the end or the consequence. Here we study the outcomes. You ask questions such as What happens if I do this? And you never think about duties or obligations. The correct ethical course here is determined by comparing outcomes. One can summarize the Utilitarian approach as the best ethical decision is the one that create the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

My Preferred Ethical Theory: Virtue ethical theory
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“Choose the Ethical Theory You Think Is Most Important and Expand on Your Opinion Why” EssaysForStudent.com. 05 2018. 2018. 05 2018 < "Choose the Ethical Theory You Think Is Most Important and Expand on Your Opinion Why." EssaysForStudent.com. EssaysForStudent.com, 05 2018. Web. 05 2018. < "Choose the Ethical Theory You Think Is Most Important and Expand on Your Opinion Why." EssaysForStudent.com. 05, 2018. Accessed 05, 2018. Essay Preview By: Andrew James Sammut Submitted: May 20, 2018 Essay Length: 1,149 Words / 5 Pages Paper type: Research Paper Views: 500 Report this essay Tweet Related Essays Ethics Theories Table When I began thinking about enrolling into college, I was sitting in my office at work, contemplating whether I should make the phone call. In 545 Words  |  3 Pages Ethics Theory Table University Of Phoenix Material ETHICS THEORIES TABLE Directions: Fill in the brief definitions and sub-theories of each ethical theory, and match the real-world examples listed 453 Words  |  2 Pages Ethics Theory - Vicky Case Ethics Theory/ Vicky Green Case Right to be Informed: Since key personnel of other companies are certainly going to face the risk of losing their 2,722 Words  |  11 Pages Ethical Theory Vs. Nestle Marketing Tactics According to Immanuel Kant’s ethical theory, an act is only morally right if we can will it to be a universal law of conduct. This 881 Words  |  4 Pages Similar Topics Freedom Morality Kantamp039S Ethics Importance Ethics Workplace Get Access to 89,000+ Essays and Term Papers Join 209,000+ Other Students High Quality Essays and Documents Sign up © 2008–2020 EssaysForStudent.comFree Essays, Book Reports, Term Papers and Research Papers Essays Sign up Sign in Contact us Site Map Privacy Policy Terms of Service Facebook Twitter