Choose Topic A Or Topic C To Answer ✓ Solved

Instructionschoose Either Topic Atopic B Or Topic C To answer Thes

Choose either Topic A, Topic B, or Topic C. To answer these topics completely, it takes a minimum of 350 words. Use the topic questions and the scoring rubric to see if your draft responds fully to all parts of the question. A complete thoughtful answer is more important than word count.

Topics for your Essay, Choose one

Topic A: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of act-utilitarianism and virtue ethics. Which do you think is the better theory? How would you combine the two approaches to fashion a better theory?

OR

Topic B: Suppose you have an opportunity to either: (1) send $800 to an area suffering from famine, in order to save a dozen people from starvation or (2) give the money to your little sister to buy books for college. Which would you do? Why? Explain which moral theory aligns with your decision-making process.

OR

Topic C: According to Kant, why is breaking a promise or lying immoral? Do you agree with his reasoning? Why or why not? Can you imagine a case where one ought to lie or break a promise? Explain.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Throughout the history of moral philosophy, various ethical theories have sought to establish principles for determining right and wrong actions. Among these, act-utilitarianism and virtue ethics present distinct approaches, each with unique advantages and drawbacks. Understanding these theories and exploring their potential integration can lead to more comprehensive moral guidance. This essay aims to compare act-utilitarianism and virtue ethics, evaluate which is the superior framework, and propose a synthesis that leverages the strengths of both to address complex moral dilemmas effectively.

Act-Utilitarianism: Advantages and Disadvantages

Act-utilitarianism, associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that the morality of an action depends on its capacity to maximize happiness or pleasure while minimizing pain. One significant advantage of this approach is its straightforward, consequence-based evaluation, which offers clear decision-making criteria. It promotes altruism by encouraging actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number, thus fostering social harmony (Shafer-Landau, 2018).

However, this theory faces notable criticisms. A primary concern is its potential to justify morally questionable acts if they result in favorable outcomes. For example, lying or even harming an individual could be deemed acceptable if it leads to a greater overall happiness. This consequential focus, therefore, can undermine individual rights and justice, raising ethical dilemmas about the limits of moral permissibility (Santro & Howell, 2020).

Virtue Ethics: Advantages and Disadvantages

Virtue ethics, rooted in Aristotelian philosophy, emphasizes character traits and moral virtues over specific actions. It encourages individuals to cultivate virtues like courage, honesty, and compassion, fostering moral excellence that guides decision-making. An advantage of virtue ethics is its emphasis on moral development and the unpredictability of human circumstances, allowing for nuanced judgments in complex situations (Hursthouse, 2017).

Nevertheless, virtue ethics has shortcomings, including a lack of clear directive when virtues conflict or when moral dilemmas involve competing virtues. Its reliance on subjective judgment about what constitutes virtue can lead to inconsistent decisions (Annas, 2019). Moreover, it may be less effective in addressing immediate ethical questions requiring concrete guidance.

Which Theory is Better?

Determining which theory is better depends on the context and values prioritized. Act-utilitarianism excels in providing measurable outcomes and promoting societal well-being but risks justifying morally dubious actions. Virtue ethics emphasizes moral character and integrity but may lack decisiveness in urgent situations. A balanced approach recognizes the importance of both consequences and character, suggesting that morality involves cultivating virtues that consistently aim toward the greatest good.

Integrating Act-Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics

Combining these theories offers a comprehensive moral framework. For instance, virtues like compassion and justice can guide individuals to consider the consequences of their actions while also fostering moral integrity. Such integration encourages a moral outlook that values both the outcome and the character of the moral agent, leading to more ethically consistent decisions across various circumstances (Hursthouse, 2017).

Conclusion

In conclusion, while act-utilitarianism provides practical decision procedures emphasizing the importance of outcomes, virtue ethics highlights moral character's role in guiding conduct. Integrating the two fosters a nuanced ethical system capable of navigating complex dilemmas, emphasizing the cultivation of virtues aligned with maximizing overall well-being. Future moral philosophy should consider this synthesis to develop a more holistic and morally robust approach.

References

• Annas, J. (2019). Practical Judgement and the Virtues. Oxford University Press.
• Hursthouse, R. (2017). Virtue Ethics. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/
• Santro, L., & Howell, R. (2020). The limits of consequentialism: Ethical dilemmas and moral permissibility. Journal of Moral Philosophy, 17(3), 245-267.
• Shafer-Landau, R. (2018). The Fundamentals of Ethics. Oxford University Press.