Question

Utilitarianism, Kant’s duty ethics, virtue ethics and ethics of care are four different ethical theories. You are required to compare each of these four theories, and in the process differentiate consequential from non- consequential ethical theory.

Answer 1

Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that focuses to deliver benefits to the majority in the society. It says that whatever can provide benefits to the majority of the people, is ethical in nature. In contrast to it, Kant's duty ethics relies on the intention of the action. This is also termed as Deontological theory of ethics. It says that intention of the action should be morally right and kept in high regard in the society.

In contrast to these two approaches, virtue ethics is about moral driven action that can be honesty, benevolence, self control and fairness in behavior when an action is taken. It brings ethics at work. Duty of care is also a theory of normative ethics, but it focuses on interpersonal relations. It says that care should be drafted when delaying with the customers in business, environment in society and love and care towards animal as well. This type of ethics is more dominant when new medicines, drugs and vaccines are invented to help people become cured and live a good life.

Here, it is to be understood that ethical theories can be consequential or non-consequential as well. Consequential theories mean the consequence of the action, should be ethical in nature as given by utilitarianism. But, Kant's duty ethics is non-consequential theory where intention of the action, objective of the action or aim should be ethical in nature. Virtue ethics is another example of non-consequential ethical theory where the conduct is ethical, though its result, may harm the society.