Define Morals And Ethics In Your Reading: Seven Major Ethics

Define Morals And Ethics In Your Reading Seven 7 Major Ethical Sys

Define morals and ethics. In your reading, seven (7) major ethical systems are outlined. Explain and describe each system and give an example of how it may be applied. Which system(s) closely align(s) with Scripture? Please answer in at least 3 - 4 pages, double-spaced, and in a font that is no larger than 12-point. Please document all your sources in APA format, including a title page and reference page. Use your text, Scripture, and outside sources to reinforce your position. Superior presentations typically have 6-8 sources to support your discussion.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Morals and ethics are foundational concepts that guide human behavior and decision-making in society. While they are often used interchangeably, their nuances distinguish them: morals refer to personal beliefs about right and wrong, often shaped by cultural, religious, and individual factors; ethics, on the other hand, pertain to the systematic principles and rules that govern conduct within specific professions or communities (Beauchamp & Childress, 2013). Understanding various ethical systems provides insight into how individuals and societies navigate moral dilemmas, especially when these systems intersect or conflict with religious doctrines such as Scripture.

Ethical Systems Explained

The seven major ethical systems outlined in scholarly literature include Virtue Ethics, Deontological Ethics, Utilitarianism, Ethic of Care, Religious Ethics, Natural Law, and Rights-Based Ethics. Each offers distinct frameworks for evaluating morality and guiding conduct.

1. Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics emphasizes the development of good character traits or virtues—such as honesty, courage, temperance, and wisdom—that enable individuals to live morally upright lives (Annas, 2011). Instead of focusing solely on rules or consequences, this system advocates cultivating virtues that lead to moral excellence. For example, a doctor showing compassion during patient care exemplifies virtue ethics in practice. Virtue Ethics aligns partially with Scripture, especially in the emphasis on moral character found in Biblical virtues like love, kindness, and integrity (Philippians 4:8).

2. Deontological Ethics

Deontological, or duty-based, ethics centers on adherence to moral duties and rules regardless of outcomes (Kant, 1785/1993). It posits that certain actions are inherently right or wrong. For instance, truthfulness is a moral duty that should be upheld even if lying might produce better results. This system aligns closely with biblical commandments, such as the Ten Commandments, which establish divine duties that believers are called to follow (Exodus 20).

3. Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism, developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, advocates for actions that maximize happiness or pleasure and minimize pain (Mill, 1863). It is consequentialist, meaning morality depends on the outcomes of actions. For example, allocating medical resources to save the greatest number of lives exemplifies utilitarian principles. While Scripture emphasizes compassion and caring for others, it does not endorse utilitarianism as a wholesale ethical framework but aligns with its concern for the well-being of the community (Matthew 25:35-40).

4. Ethic of Care

This system emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships and caring as fundamental to ethical behavior (Gilligan, 1982). It values empathy, compassion, and maintaining relationships over abstract rules or justice. An example would be a caregiver prioritizing a patient's emotional well-being alongside physical health. It resonates with biblical themes of love and compassion, exemplified in Christ’s ministry (John 13:34).

5. Religious Ethics

Religious ethics derive from sacred scriptures, doctrines, and faith-based principles. It prescribes moral behavior based on divine commandments and religious teachings. Christianity, for instance, emphasizes following God’s will, moral duties based on Scripture, and moral absolutes rooted in divine law (Romans 12:2). This system is closely aligned with Scripture as it derives morality directly from divine revelation.

6. Natural Law

Natural Law theory posits that moral principles are inherent in human nature and can be discerned through reason (Aquinas, 1274/1947). It suggests that morality is universal and discoverable by rational reflection on human nature and the natural order. For Tyrrl and others, this includes the intrinsic dignity of human beings and the moral obligation to respect life. Biblical principles such as the sanctity of life align with Natural Law concepts, although the system is secular and rational in approach.

7. Rights-Based Ethics

This framework emphasizes individual rights and liberties as fundamental to morality (Liberal thinkers, 19th/20th century). Actions are evaluated based on whether they respect individuals’ rights to life, liberty, and property. For example, protecting free speech aligns with this system. The biblical emphasis on human dignity and the inherent worth of each individual resonates with rights-based ethics, though Scripture grounds these rights in divine authority.

Comparison with Scripture

Among these systems, Religious Ethics and Natural Law most closely align with Scripture. Religious Ethics directly derives moral principles from divine revelation, as seen in the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Christ (Exodus 20, Matthew 22:37-40). Natural Law, although secular in origin, shares with Scripture the notion that moral truths are rooted in the nature given by God, which can be discerned through reason (Aquinas, 1274/1947). Virtue Ethics also correlates with Scripture’s emphasis on character development and spiritual virtues, but it is less explicitly tied to divine command than Religious Ethics.

Conclusion

Understanding these seven ethical systems provides a comprehensive view of how morality is constructed and applied across different contexts. While each system offers valuable insights, their alignment with Scripture varies, with Religious Ethics and Natural Law being most consistent with biblical principles. Recognizing these distinctions enables believers to navigate moral dilemmas thoughtfully, integrating faith-based morality with broader ethical considerations.

References

  • Annas, J. (2011). Virtue ethics. In E. N. Zalta (Ed.), The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-virtue/
  • Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2013). Principles of biomedical ethics (7th ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Kant, I. (1993). Groundwork of the metaphysics of morals (M. Gregor, Trans.). Cambridge University Press. (Original work published 1785)
  • Mill, J. S. (1863). Utilitarianism. Parker, Son, and Bourn.
  • Gilligan, C. (1982). In a different voice: Psychological theory and women’s development. Harvard University Press.
  • Aquinas, T. (1947). Summa Theologica (F. J. Sheed, Trans.). Newman Press. (Original work published 1274)
  • Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Zondervan.
  • Rawls, J. (1971). A Theory of Justice. Harvard University Press.
  • Liberalism and rights theory: D. D. Raphael (1990). The Concept of Rights. Routledge.
  • MacIntyre, A. (1984). After virtue: A study in moral theory. University of Notre Dame Press.

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