Ethical Philosophy Essay Examples and Topics

Updated:
163 samples

Utilitarianism Theory Essay

At the center of the utilitarian argument that shifts from the concern we physically have for our personal feelings of pain and pleasure, to others feelings of pain and pleasure, is the belief that this [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1081

Thomas Aquinas’ and Emanuel Kant’s Moral Philosophy

Since human beings have rationality that is generated from God, they possess natural law that enables them to perceive what is morally acceptable."Aquinas emphasizes that human acts should be based on reason which is intrinsically [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1189

Socrates: Unexamined Life Is Not Worth Living

By saying that "unexamined life is not worthy living", Socrates was referring to freedom, a state of making choices about your surrounding, a state of choosing your destination, having the freedom to criticize issues, setting [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 447

​Do the “Ends Justify the Means?”

When comparing the crimes that might be committed and the fact that the person will be late for work, it is clear that the lateness is not as important.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 859

Utilitarianism vs. Moral Relativism

If to assume that moral relativism is true, then it is impossible to discuss good and bad outside the specific situation. Thus, their actions were morally wrong according to the assumptions of moral relativism.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1213

Philosophy of Human Conduct

The aim of the paper is to reveal the nature of human conduct from the philosophical point of view. That is why, the nature of human conduct is a difficult aspect of a human being.
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2329

Michael Sandel’s Objections to Utilitarianism

The moral and intellectual pleasures were considered to be "highest pleasures", and the experiences, that caused satisfaction of flesh were considered to be "lower pleasures". The pleasures of the majority, in that case, are considered [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 593

Application of Aristotle’s Golden Mean

The doctrine of the golden mean is a request for a realistic moral axiom. The word "virtue" is used in some cases to denote a personal quality and, in others, as a generalized indicator of [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 651

Epictetus and Epicurus

It is possible for one to live in a state of tranquility or ataraxia when one limited oneself to the necessary and natural things of life.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1405

Philosophy of Moral Theories Compare and Contrast

Kant's moral system is anchored on morality and therefore goes ahead to explain that a rational human being would easily adapt to universal moral laws and use them as a basis of determining what is [...]
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2290

Divine Command Theory

Divine command theory is based on the idea that God is the determinant of right and wrong behavior. It is wrong for believers to say that the commandments given by God are arbitrary because He [...]
  • 4.5
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 746

Ethics Types, Differences, Applications

To be more particular about the two types above of ethics, virtue ethics can be defined as the type of ethics that "focuses on the character traits and nonobligatory ideas that facilitate the development of [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 856

Mill’s vs. Kant’s Ethical Theories on Lie

Stuart Mill's utilitarianism and Emmanuel Kant's deontology, to answer the question is it acceptable to lie to my friend to spare her feelings if the lie would not cause great harm?
  • Pages: 9
  • Words: 1713

Niccolo Machiavelli’s Philosophy

According to Machiavelli, it is the duty of the prince to protect his realm and to further enhance his sovereignty. He asserts that a prince should not be generous when spending the State's wealth as [...]
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1704

Deontology and Utilitarianism: Comparative Analysis

The idea of the purpose justifying the means is central to utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is dependent on consequentiality since it asserts that the most moral thing to do is to use happiness for the benefit of [...]
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 308

Virtuous Behavior Constituents

For an action to be considered virtuous, it must originate from an individual and be in the self-interest of whoever is claiming to be virtuous.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 563

Ethical Egoism vs. Altruism Theory

In philosophy, egoism is the theory that one is self is or should be; the motivation of one's action. This divergence can be explained further using the following features of the concept of ethical egoism: [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1294

Ethics of Emergencies: Ayn Rand’s View

For example, if you are faced with a gang of hoodlums who want to kill you and the only option you have is killing one of them to escape, then the "ethics of emergencies" allow [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 648

Noble Morality and Slave Morality

The major difference between good morality and bad morality according to Nietzsche is that good morality is connected to nobility and bad morals are linked to the common man and simplicity.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 528

Act Utilitarianism and Virtue Ethics: Pros and Cons

Therefore, act utilitarianism is better than virtue ethics since it is clear, concise, and focuses on the majority. Virtue ethics' strengths can be utilized to enhance the act-utilitarianism theory.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 641

Deontological Ethics and Morality

According to the theory, moral ethics should enable members of society to attain happiness. Finally, moral ethics should also provide room for improvement to nurture the desired behaviors in society.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 590

Human Cloning and Kantian Ethics

The current paper will define the issue of human cloning through the prism of Kantian ethics and support the idea of reproductive cloning being a contravention of human dignity and fundamental biological principles.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 870

Utilitarianism: Principles and Assumptions

The philosopher argues that the accomplishment of the goal of solving the cases of stress must be based on an individual's pleasure and actions that promote happiness. For instance, Bentham argues that the chain of [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 555

The Difference Between Act and Rule Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism emerged as a systematic theory at the end of the eighteenth century with the philosophical works of Jeremy Bentham, who created the "greatest happiness of the greatest number" formulation of the principle of utilitarianism.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1217

“Virtue Ethics and Adultery” by Raja Halwani

In my opinion, that in the context of marriage and adultery, there is a connection between love and sex. According to Halwani, adultery is permissible in situations where the partner does not demonstrate fidelity, including [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 678

Ethical Theories and Nepotism Relationships

Relating to the ethical theory of ethics of justice to nepotism, it should be mentioned that justice is considered to be fair on the basis of various human considerations.
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1925

Principles of Utilitarianism

At this point, the utilitarian theory is also associated with the tools that can provide individuals and community with happiness through recognition of felicity as the foundation of all human actions.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 816

Five Relations of Confucianism

The weakness of this doctrine is that the happiness of the people is in the hands of the ruling class, which tends to default and exploit ordinary people.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 892

Aristotle’s Idea of Justice: Analysis

The benefit of justice, according to Aristotle, is an individualized virtue based on the character of justice. According to Machiavelli, he puts justice in front of a just man, and a just man comes before [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 680

Significance of Emotions in Aristotle’s Philosophy

Additionally, the philosopher distinguishes two moralities, each with its interpretation of the cognitive role of emotions: a civic morality of judicial process in the Nicomachean Ethics and a contemplative ethics of theoretical study in Politics.
  • Pages: 13
  • Words: 3723

Kant’s and Mill’s Moral Theories

The other option would be not to hit the criminal with the machete. On the other hand, if the woman employs Kant's theory, it would be immoral to kill the rapist by attacking him with [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 821

Kant and Singer on Morals

This means that before engaging in an action against a human or a nonhuman, it is proper to consider the interests and include them in the calculus of rightness.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1438

Philosophy: Aristotle on Moral Virtue

Both virtue and vice build one's character and therefore can contribute to the view of happiness. Therefore, character education leads to happiness that is equal to the amount of wisdom and virtue.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 562

Aristotle Philosophical Perspective

To understand the connection established by Aristotle between a good life and a rational one, it is first necessary to discuss the concept of good used in the Nicomachean Ethics.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1693

Utilitarianism, Kantianism, Virtue Ethics, Egoism

Quote: The amanagers of a corporation must take responsibility to fulfil their duties to their stockholders and to the public'. According to this normative theory, the utility can be described as anything that is related [...]
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1142

The Basis of a Moral Judgement

One of the tasks of moral philosophy is to discover the binding principles of behaviour among humans. Therefore, moral judgement is merely a formation of the mind and is susceptible to sentiments.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1386

Kantian Ethics Definition and Description

The idea of humanity forms the second approach to the categorical imperative and it indicates that people should treat each other as ends and not as means to an end.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1114

Aristotle’s Ethics Conception and Workplace Relations

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics is one of the ethical writings that have spurred understanding of ethics of work place relations. A critical discussion in the Nicomachean Ethics provided by Aristotle is the argument and conversation over [...]
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1928

Utilitarian Analysis and Stakeholder Analysis

In this case, the happiness of the customers and that of John count the same. On the other hand, the stockholders who own the company are in pursuit of profits and anything that acts contrary [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1510

Analysis of Morals in Philosophy

The second way or of coming to the conclusion that an action is moral is through the emotive response that the action imparts on people in a society.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1778

The Natural Law Theory in Ethics

Raley claims that the origins of the Natural Law Theory can be found in the writings of Aristotle and his idea of teleology or the evaluation of purpose.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 351

Bioethics and the Divine Command Theory

According to the Divine Command Theory, a character is ultimately based on the instructions or nature of God, and the course of behavior that God demands, or commands is morally right.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1471

Divine Morality: Is Morality from God?

Therefore, the existence of morality is courtesy of the presence of religion. The urgency of religion on moral guidance and the correctness of actions is a dilemma.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1118

Consequentialism and Deontology

In deontology, the outcomes and consequences may not justify the means to achieve a goal, while in consequentialism, the results determine the means, and significant benefit is expected for the greatest possible number of people.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1168

Relativity of Ethical Beliefs in Non-Christian Students

The implausibility of the opinion of non-Christian students about the relativity of ethical beliefs is confirmed by its subjectivity, the correctness of each ethical belief, and the impossibility of their criticism.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 258

Care Ethics Theory and Its Analysis

She claims that care ethics should include the emotional context in moral guidelines, not only traditional pure reasons of Kantian Imperative and Utilitarianism. Next, public and private spheres and moral behaviors that are appropriate are [...]
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 295

Ethical and Psychological Egoism

While ethical egoism focuses on self-interest and disregarding the interests of others, psychological egoism is centered around actions or behavior that can bring benefits.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 282

Ethics of Security Measures in the Netherlands

Notably, independence of TIB is guaranteed because it is comprised of three-people who are appointed in consultation of the National Ombudsman, the Vice-President of the Council of State and the President of the Supreme Court.
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2266

Socrates’ Claim “Morality Is Objective”

People's moral beliefs of what is good and what is bad is a construction of the knowledge that was obtained from other people of the same society as children learning from the parents.
  • Pages: 1
  • Words: 281

Particularism in the Context of Moral Dilemmas

This approach is titled particularism, and, in the current essay, I attempt to justify this principle in the context of moral dilemmas and demonstrate how this perspective expands the ethical understanding of the subject.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1431

Ayer’s Key Argument Against Ethical Objectivism

This is considered as the way a particular feeling or notion is portrayed The recommendation of action to another person is not an ethical thing to be performed in that this has to totally embrace [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 563

Mill’s Contribution to Ethical Theory & Significance

This presupposition forms the basis of Mill's principle of utility, which suggests that an action is acceptable if and only if the outcomes of that particular action are as fulfilling as those of any other [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 860

Philosophy of Forgiveness

I believe that if anyone had gone through all the pain and horror that Simon had, and was asked to forgive Karl, the instinct, and most humane reaction at that moment would be to strongly [...]
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 886

Models of Ethical Decisions

Given the intense rivalry between the two brothers on who to donate the kidney to the ailing dad, and the chilling revelation of their mother on the paternity of the younger brother, it is convenient [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1433

Moral and Rules: Comparison and Contrast

In most cases, people evaluated their moral conduct concerning rules; conduct is considered to be moral if it is by rules and wrong if it is against the rule.
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1450

Modern Science: Issues Posing Ethical Concerns

More than thirty years ago, one of the most interesting philosophers of the twentieth century, Hans Jonas, discussing the problems of the experiments on human, outlined the necessity to limit the appetites of "number-hungry research [...]
  • Pages: 5
  • Words: 1371

The Golden Principle of Ethics and Its Arguments

It is on such a basis that this paper observes the various aspects of this very important principle in morality and its influence on the various systems and ecologies in the lives of humanity as [...]
  • Pages: 10
  • Words: 2716

Aristotle’s – The Ethics of Virtue

Ethics is not a theory of discipline since our inquiry as to what is good for human beings is not just gathering knowledge, but to be able to achieve a unique state of fulfillment in [...]
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 598

Act Utilitarianism: Term Definition

The theory advocates for actions that bring a large amount of pleasure and little pain to the majority of the people or rather the course of actions that maximize happiness and minimize pain by considering [...]
  • Pages: 7
  • Words: 1949

Foundations and Concepts of Ethical Relativism

Ethical relativism has to be based on the overall ideas of the individual and it has to be intrinsic such that all the necessary changes or the responsibilities can be adhered to.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 949

Ethical Systems According to Different Authors

The Republic explains the plan of the Euthydemus: to reveal and clarify the matters of good. Understanding is, questionably, significant and adequate for the regulation of motive in the spirit.
  • Pages: 4
  • Words: 1060

Kant’s Ethical Theory: Rational and Free Choices

Another theory that Kant criticized is the view of Baumgarten wherein it states that God is the author and the legislator of all the natural obligations because HE was the one who made the world.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 575

Care Ethics: Role of Feelings and Reason

The ethics of care recognizes that human beings are dependent for the most part of their lives and dependent people have a pressing moral claim to care in order to live and progress.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 650

Kant’s Deontological Ethics Review

Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals underlines that autonomy acts as the link between the analysis of morality and the moral will and free will.
  • Pages: 6
  • Words: 1862

Ethical Philosophy: Moral Relativism

The idea that man is inherently selfish and is motivated only by his fundamental needs is not a new one. The idea is that any act of a human being requires some basic motivational factor.
  • Pages: 2
  • Words: 681

Socrates and the Root of Evil

The philosopher's inquiry into the nature of human morality was closely tied to the examination of how one could live his or her life in the most fulfilling manner.
  • Pages: 3
  • Words: 911

Moral and Contemporary Philosophy

The philosophical utilitarianism view explains why morality is everybody's concern and elucidates the "nature of the reasons" behind any moral act.
  • Pages: 8
  • Words: 2069
Headline Generator
We’ll help you brainstorm great title ideas for your essay, research or speech in no time!
Research Question Generator
Get a list of ideas for your essay or term paper. We’ve prepared the best research question generator.
Title Page
Generator
Craft a paper title page with just a couple of clicks. Get it in APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard without any effort
Updated: