Theory Comparison Chart

Associate Level Material

Ethical Theory Comparison Chart

Respond to the prompt for each of the five ethical theories listed. One section on each chart has been filled in as an example.

What is good? (1–2 sentences)

Aristotle – Virtue Ethics	Mill – Utilitarianism	Kant – Deontology	Consequentialism	Noddings – Care Ethics
	For J.S. Mill, decreasing pain and increasing pleasure is good. However, not all pleasure is the same. Mill argues that intellectual pleasures are superior to bodily pleasures (Mill, Utilitarianism, Chapter 2).

What path or rule do you follow to achieve the good? (1–2 sentences)

Aristotle – Virtue Ethics	Mill – Utilitarianism	Kant – Deontology	Consequentialism	Noddings – Care Ethics
For Aristotle, virtue is the way to achieve the good. Moral virtue is a state of character and can only be acquired by habit. In other words, we need to practice being morally virtuous in order to be virtuous. Aristotle describes moral virtue as a mean. We act morally, if we do the right thing, at the right time, “with reference to the right objects, towards the right people, with the right motive and in the right way” (Nicomachean Ethics, Book II, 1 and 6; see also Moore and Bruder, 2011, p. 265).

Assumptions or requirements (2–4 sentences)

Aristotle – Virtue Ethics	Mill – Utilitarianism	Kant – Deontology	Consequentialism	Noddings – Care Ethics
			The first assumption is that after all is said and done, only the results of our actions remain, therefore, the results are what a moral theory should focus on. The second assumption is that we love others as much as we love ourselves. This assumption means that we will act to promote the overall good, so long as that action “does not hurt others more” (Haines, 2006).

Provide an example of how this ethical theory might work (5 or more sentences)

Aristotle – Virtue Ethics	Mill – Utilitarianism	Kant – Deontology	Consequentialism	Noddings – Care Ethics
				My best friend comes to me asking for advice. She is having problems in her marriage and just found out she is pregnant. Due to the economic downturn, she may lose her job in the coming months. Her relationship with her husband is strained and is having a serious emotional toll on her. She is considering an abortion. I am the carer and she is the cared-for. I do not consider her unborn child because my friend is the one in immediate pain or peril. I recommend counseling. I also try and gently ask questions to see what options she has and what she has thought about. I do not tell her what I think she should do in this case or what I think is right or wrong. I only ask how I can help her.

Works Cited:

Moore, B. N., & Bruder, K. (2011) Philosophy: The power of ideas. (8th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw Hill