Assignment 1 Lasa 2 Ethical Systems And What A Busy Five W

Assignment 1 Lasa 2 Ethical Systems And Mewhat A Busy Five Weeks We

Assignment 1: LASA 2 - Ethical Systems and Me What a busy five weeks we have had! We have learned to use moral reasoning and examined many ethical theories in this course. These include virtue ethics, utilitarianism, social contract, deontology with goals (Hinduism and Buddhism), deontology with divine authority (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam), relativism (individual and cultural), and deontology with a categorical imperative (Kant). Think back about your impressions of each of these ethical systems and write a 1,000 to 1,250-word essay that addresses the following questions below. Be sure to write good introductory and concluding paragraphs in your essay.

Summarize the principle components of each of the seven ethical systems studied in this course (listed above), including the principle ethicist involved in developing the system. Use two or three sentences for each ethical system. Which ethical system is most prevalent in the United States today? In the World? Explain your answer and support your response.

Which ethical system most closely matches your personal ethical system? Why do you think so? Explain your position. Please give a short, personal example that supports your decision to identify your ethical system (3 or 4 sentences) and explain why it does so. Examine your response to previous assignments in Modules 1 thru 4 in this course.

Are there any inconsistencies or conflict between positions you took in earlier assignments and the ethical system identified in this paper? For example, monotheists (Christians, Muslims, and Jews) believe in universal maxims. Relativists do not think universal maxims are possible. One cannot, for example, be a Christian and believe no universal maxims exist, which is a relativist position. Monotheism (Christianity) and relativism are polar opposites.

If inconsistencies exist between your earlier answers and this paper, how do you resolve them in your ethical decision-making process in the real world? Add at least three references to support your analysis in this paper. Post a 4-5-page ( -word) paper to the M5: Assignment 1 Dropbox by.

Paper For Above instruction

The exploration of diverse ethical systems provides critical insight into the moral frameworks that guide individual and societal behavior. This essay summarizes the core principles of seven major ethical systems studied during this course, examines their relevance to contemporary society, reflects on personal alignment with these systems, and considers potential conflicts with prior course responses. Through this analysis, I aim to develop a nuanced understanding of moral reasoning and its application in real-world situations.

Summary of Ethical Systems

Virtue ethics, primarily developed by Aristotle, emphasizes character traits and virtues as the foundation of moral conduct. It advocates for cultivating virtues such as courage, wisdom, and temperance, aiming for moral excellence. Utilitarianism, championed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering, promoting actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number. The social contract theory—rooted in the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau—suggests that moral principles derive from an implicit agreement among individuals to form a functioning society, emphasizing fairness and mutual benefit.

Deontology with goals, associated with Confucius and Buddhism, emphasizes adherence to moral duties related to achieving specific spiritual or societal goals, such as harmony and enlightenment. Deontology with divine authority, represented by Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—linked to philosophers like Immanuel Kant—posits that moral duties are grounded in divine commandments or inherent rational principles, requiring individuals to adhere to moral laws regardless of consequences. Relativism, encompassing individual and cultural perspectives, argues that moral judgments are context-dependent and that universality in ethics is infeasible; moral standards vary across different cultures and individuals. Kant's deontological ethics, based on his categorical imperative, asserts that moral actions are those performed out of duty and that principles should be universally applicable.

Prevalent Ethical Systems in Society

In the United States, deontological and virtue ethics are highly influential, evident in the emphasis on individual rights, freedom, and moral character in societal institutions and legal frameworks. Utilitarian principles also impact policy decisions, especially in healthcare and public welfare. Globally, utilitarianism and human rights-focused deontology are prevalent, driven by international efforts to promote wellbeing and justice. Cultural relativism influences local customs and social norms, but universal principles, like human rights, increasingly shape global ethics (Rachels & Rachels, 2019).

Personal Ethical System Alignment

Personally, I find that utilitarianism most closely aligns with my ethical perspective because I prioritize actions that promote overall happiness and well-being. For example, in my professional life, I often consider the broader impact of decisions on colleagues and clients, choosing options that maximize positive outcomes while minimizing harm. This utilitarian approach resonates with my value of collective welfare over strict adherence to rules or virtues alone (Singer, 2011).

Addressing Potential Conflicts with Previous Assignments

Earlier in the course, my responses reflected a deontological stance, emphasizing duty and adherence to moral principles, such as honesty and fairness. However, I recognize that rigid adherence to rules can sometimes conflict with utilitarian considerations of the greater good. For instance, honesty is vital, but in certain situations, withholding information might better serve societal well-being. To reconcile these conflicts, I adopt a flexible utilitarian approach that considers context and outcomes, aligning my moral reasoning with practical and ethical complexities (Beauchamp & Childress, 2019). This integrated approach helps me navigate moral dilemmas more effectively.

Conclusion

Understanding diverse ethical systems deepens our ability to make morally sound decisions in a complex world. While different systems—virtue ethics, utilitarianism, social contract, deontology, relativism—offer varied perspectives, my personal alignment with utilitarian principles enables me to prioritize collective happiness and ethical flexibility. Recognizing potential conflicts with prior beliefs allows me to refine my moral reasoning, ensuring that my ethical decisions are both principled and pragmatic.

References

• Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2019). Principles of biomedical ethics (8th ed.). Oxford University Press.
• Rachels, J., & Rachels, S. (2019). The elements of moral philosophy (9th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
• Singer, P. (2011). Practical ethics (3rd ed.). Cambridge University Press.
• Kant, I. (1785). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals.
• Confucius. (5th century BCE). Analects.
• Bentham, J. (1789). An introduction to the principles of morals and legislation.
• Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism.
• Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan.
• Rousseau, J.-J. (1762). The social contract.
• Buddha. (5th century BCE). Dhammapada.