Normative philosophy - Assignment Example

This paper will argue that morality can be based on character of an individual, outcomes comes of the actions or the duty. The first ethical theory that should be engaged in the analysis is referred to as Virtue ethics. As one can easily see, the very name of it suggests that the focus of this approach will be on the idea of virtue – the ideal balance between excess and deficiency of a particular trait of character. In other words, this ethical theory draws a strong connection between the idea of morality and the character of a particular person.

This is quite important since it holds several significant implications for the evaluation of the actions. For example, the action which is largely considered to be an immoral one, such as lying, might be justified by the approach of Virtue ethics as it will argue that the characteristics of a person turn this action into a good one and he or she does not behave immoral. Indeed, as one can easily see on this example, this ethical theory is mostly concerned with the stable category of being rather than concrete outcomes of the actions.

In other words, the morality is considered to be an irreplaceable attribute of a virtuous person while others who were not able to develop any virtues and live in sin behave immorally. It is obvious that this approach has its proponents and opponents and is regarded to be a rather debatable one as it does not give a universal approach to every situation in life. The next ethical theory which should be discussed with regard to the notion of morality is called Deontological ethics. The name of this approach comes from a Greek word which means “duty”.

That is why it would not be a mistake to point out that just like the previous theory was focused on the virtue of the character of a person, this one is focused on the duty. Contrary to Virtue ethics, the Deontological approach is able to prove a person with an easy to use as well as simple to