Ethics - Strength and weaknesses - Essay Example

Ethics is an umbrella of many theories among them is the virtue of ethics and theory of obligation. As such, virtue ethics entails models such character and moral philosophy. Whereas theories of obligation encompasses rights and morals that is what an individual can do for instance humanitarian assistance is elemental moral liaison based on the theory of obligation of the haves helping out the have-nots,(Regina et al.2008:319-1016)Differences Unlike the virtue of ethics that emphasizes on the inner state, for example, kindness as a virtue involves having the right sentiments, good character and inner state to give a helping hand to others.

Therefore, being kind to others calls for right retort and feeling to situations and others. The theory of moral obligation emphasizes on the significance of understanding and comparing dialogues associated with morals and rights. That is to say what actions are obligatory and what are the morally right attitudesThe moral fiber behaviors in virtue of ethics are constant, predetermined and dependable. Hence, an individual that posse the virtue of kindness has to operate kindheartedly in all types of situation, to all individuals and for a long time regardless of the intricacies involved, whereas in the obligation theory disputes the irrelevancy of asserting and defending one-dimensional division of relativity versus entire moral essentials.

For instance helping others depends on the real world experiences where moral and right materialize, (Regina et al.2008:319-1016)Regina et al. A theory of Obligation the Josef Korbel School of International StudiesUniversity of Denver, CO 80208, 2008:319-1016The ethical virtue believes in the individual ethical behaviors development is a long term occurrence encouraged by the influence of friends, teachers, and role models, revelations to diverse situations or parents. This is so because different individuals are born with all kinds of propensities which are either positive such calm and affable or negative attitudes like envious and irritable.

Once ethical character is resolutely ascertained, an individual will act persistently, inevitably, and aptly in all sorts of situations while the theory of obligation advocates for that anthropologists in philosophy do not have the ethical responsibility to be the role models in the promotion of moral behaviours and rights. This is essential according to this theory because the violators and victims are all blamed. The virtue of ethics stresses on role models playing a fundamental role in the development of character and morals.

However, individuals' ethical behaviors require choice, indulgent and acquaintance while Obligation theory focuses on ethical development based on the responsibilities determined by an individual class/ status, verbal agreement, mutual relationships, habitual prospects and common principles, (Waluchow, W. J.1995:55-60)Strength and weaknessesThe virtue of ethics has defined concepts and role models which are used in determining what people should do instead of judging people how they are. Use of concepts to define individuals is not appropriate as persons will only be acting right because of the morals set out but not from their own free will.

This approach to ethics relies on universal principles and results in a rigid moral code. In additions use of concepts are meaningless in the modern secular society where law makers exist. Virtue ethics ensure individuals make the right decisions and choices.Since; it encompasses right desires that ensure well informed decisions. Finally, virtue ethics contributes to the understanding of morality in the society because there is the possibility of reducing challenging concepts of duties and obligation.

Verdicts of virtue are verdicts of a whole subsistence unlike that on a distinct action, (Waluchow, W. J.1995:55-60).Waluchow, W. J. The Dimensions of Ethics: Common Law philosophy study: University of Cambidge Press: 1995: 55-60