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Overview of Ethical Theories

This document discusses four main ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and rights-based ethics. Utilitarianism focuses on producing the greatest benefit for the most people. Deontology emphasizes doing one's duty based on ethical principles regardless of outcomes. Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits. Rights-based ethics prioritizes protecting individual rights. The conclusion notes that combining ethical theories can help arrive at the most ethical decision for a given scenario.

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sudhanshu jeevtani
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1K views13 pages

Overview of Ethical Theories

This document discusses four main ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and rights-based ethics. Utilitarianism focuses on producing the greatest benefit for the most people. Deontology emphasizes doing one's duty based on ethical principles regardless of outcomes. Virtue ethics focuses on developing good character traits. Rights-based ethics prioritizes protecting individual rights. The conclusion notes that combining ethical theories can help arrive at the most ethical decision for a given scenario.

Uploaded by

sudhanshu jeevtani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Introduction to Ethical Theories
  • Types of Ethical Theories
  • The Utilitarian Approach
  • Denotology
  • The Virtue Approach
  • The Rights Approach
  • Conclusion

ETHICAL THEORIES

SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:

Prof. Gaura Mahima rameja


Chauhan Ritin bhatiyani
Sakshi sadana
Sudhanshu jeevtani
ETHICAL THEORIES

Ethical Theories are attempts to provide a clear, unified


account of what our ethical obligations are.

It is common in discussions of business ethics to appeal to


one or more ethical theories in an attempt to clarify what it is
right or wrong to do in particular situations.
Types of Ethical Theories

• The Utilitarian Approach


• Denotology
• The Virtue Approach
• The Rights Approach
The Utilitarian Approach

• Utilitarian ethical theories are based on one’s ability to predict


the consequences of an action. The choice that yields the
greatest benefit to the most people is the one that is ethically
correct.
• Utilitarianism is therefore concerned with actions that produce
benefit and avoid harm. Utilitarian workplace values include
honesty, keeping promises, professionalism, caring for others.
• When individuals are deciding what to do for themselves
alone, they consider only their own utility.
FOR EXAMPLE

If you are choosing ice cream for yourself, the utilitarian view is that
you should choose the flavor that will give you the most pleasure.
Denotology

• ‘Deontology’ come from the greek word deontos, which means ‘duty’.

• This moral tradition is centered round always doing one’s duty.

• Emphasis is placed on doing what is right, based on ethical principles,


regardless of the outcome.

• We each have duties regarding our own actions.


For example:

1. You are duty-bound to keep your promise to be faithful to your spouse,


even if a more attractive person comes along.

2. You are duty-bound to always telling the truth, even if it cost you a job.
The Virtue Approach

• A moral theory that focuses on the development of virtuous character.

• ‘Goodness’ ( happiness) comes from good habits ( or dispositions) of


character;

• These habits are “virtues” such as courage, justice, integrity, prudence,


trustworthiness, etc.
Example of virtue ethics:

• Displaying Trustworthiness

• Being Respectful

• Taking responsibility
The Rights Approach
• Moral theory based on concept that all people have human rights.

• In the rights ethical theory the rights set forth by a society are
protected and given the highest priority.

• Rights are about the protection of an individual’s interests, freedoms,


etc.

• On the other hand Natural Rights stem from God or the Universe.
For example:
A person may say that her friend may borrow her laptop for the afternoon.
The friend who was given the ability to borrow the laptop now has a right
to use the laptop in the afternoon and now it is your duty to give him a
laptop.
CONCLUSION
• Ethical theories and principles can help us to
make decisions more responsibly. ... In
other words, no one ethical theory is perfect

• when ethical theories are combined, they


can help us to arrive at the most ethically
correct answer possible for each scenario.

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