While asserting intentions and justifying deeds, humans often refer to various theories of ethics. For instance, rule-based concepts and virtue-grounded theories allow considering human behavior from different perspectives. Despite the strengths and theoretical significance of both approaches, the theories of Aristotle and Aquinas suggest more flexibility and breadth in ethics interpretation as compared to rule-based theories.
Kantianism and utilitarianism are the major rule-based or normative ethical theories although their provisions involve contradictions. Specifically, in conformity with Kantianism, people must act honestly and do the right thing, irrespective of what consequences entail for them. On the contrary, in utilitarianism, honesty is subordinate to utility. Moral obligations, duties, and rules or “maxims” are the grounds of Kantianism (Mallia 5; Marques 3). The strongest point of this theory is the following precondition: “what is right for one should be right for all” (Marques 4). Accordingly, ethical actions are connected with the fulfillment of duties and compliance with imperatives. The strengths of utilitarianism or consequentialist ethics involve the emphasis on the wellbeing of the majority and the justification of undertaken steps by their right consequences (Marques 8). This approach is widely applied in government and business decision-making to substantiate the balance between costs and benefits.
Concepts developed by Aristotle and Aquinas comprise the foundation of virtue-based ethical theories. Moral virtues, including prudence, justice, fortitude, and temperance, are cardinal; they are internal properties of individuals that determine their human goodness (Bright et al. 446). Aristotle-defined virtues are active. Participating in social life and striving to fulfill his/her functions perfectly, a virtuous person feels happy and satisfied. This is possible because an individual freely develop towards his/her perfection. Aristotle’s focus on mental processes that predefine a human’s moral action and choice connected with decision-making is the strong point of his theory. Aquinas emphasizes the development of virtues that correspond to the Christian traditions, such as faith, hope, and charity (Bright et al. 447). The strong point of virtue-based ethical theories is the opportunity to anticipate and improve humans’ behavior because their moral principles and standards evolve under specific conditions over time. Ethical virtues serve as a road map for human development.
Strengths of both rule-based theories and virtue-grounded approaches allow their implementation in various spheres of life. For instance, in accordance with the theory substantiated by Aristotle and Aquinas, the possession of virtues meets the long-term interests of a moral personality. The acquisition of virtues contributes to an individual’s effective interactions with others, increases self-esteem, and generates a conflict-free medium. These theories can serve as a template for behavioral studies and leadership development programs (Bright et al. 454). However, while comparing rule-based concepts and virtue-grounded theories, it is evident that rule-based theories are more pertinent to today’s social phenomena and relationships, as well as personal life, due to the establishment of ethical norms and rules. Utilitarianism with its meticulous focus on possible outcomes provides flexibility in decision-making. It “seems to be a solid way of ensuring that needs are met with consideration of the needs and desires of all stakeholders” (Marques 7). Another rule-based approach, the theory developed by Kant, laid the foundation of today’s deontological reasoning and the concept of patient safety (Mallia 6). The initiation and performance of medical studies would be much easier if researchers did not have to inform participants about research procedures and possible consequences. However, in accordance with Kantianism, voluntary and informed consent must be obtained from participants prior to any experiment. Thus, although both theoretical approaches to ethics possess their peculiar strengths, the rule-oriented theory is more applicable today.
Works Cited
Bright, David S., et al. “Reconsidering Virtue: Differences of Perspective in Virtue Ethics and the Positive Social Sciences.” Journal of Business Ethics, vol. 119, no. 4, 2014, pp. 445-460.
Mallia, Pierre. “Towards an Ethical Theory in Disaster Situations.” Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy, vol. 18, no. 1, 2015, pp. 3-11.
Marques, Joan. “Universalism and Utilitarianism: An Evaluation of Two Popular Moral Theories in Business Decision Making.” The Journal of Values-Based Leadership, vol. 8, no. 2, 2015, pp. 1-12.