Ethics Theories: Duty-Based, Goal-Based, Rights-based, and Human Nature-based - Assignment Example

Duty theories base morality on specific, foundational principles of obligation. These theories are sometimes called deontological, from the Greek word deon, or duty, in view of the foundational nature of our duty or obligation. They are also sometimes called non-consequentialist since these principles are obligatory, irrespective of the consequences that might follow from our actions. Ross theory – prima facie duties “I believe people should eat sand because it is the right thing to do.

” An employee entrusted with funds by his or her corporation is dutybound to account for these funds and remit the balance if any. Even though this honesty may deprive him of certain material comforts, i.e., the extra money if unremitted could have bought him or her a new car, duty-based ethics prescribes that he or she should return the money. The classic goal-based theory is utilitarianism. Jeremy Bentham presented one of the earliest fully developed systems of utilitarianism. Two features of his theory are noteworthy.

First, Bentham proposed that we tally the consequences of each action we perform and thereby determine on a case by case basis whether an action is morally right or wrong. This aspect of Bentham's theory is known as act-utilitarianism. Second, Bentham also proposed that we tally the pleasure and pain which results from our actions. For Bentham, pleasure and pain are the only consequences that matter in determining whether our conduct is moral. This aspect of Bentham's theory is known as hedonistic utilitarianism.

Ethical Egoism: an action is morally right if the consequences of that action are more favorable than unfavorable only to the agent performing the action.Ethical Altruism: an action is morally right if the consequences of that action are more favorable than unfavorable to everyone except the agent.Utilitarianism: an action is morally right if the consequences of that action are more favorable than unfavorable to everyone.