The Virtue Ethics Theory

In this paper, I will evaluate and summarize the different major moral theories including my own approach to my moral beliefs. The words moral and ethics are sometimes substituted for each other, and both do relate to good or bad, right or wrong. However, ethics refers to a set of rules that is provided to an individual by an outside source, and further, ethics is the philosophical study of morality. Whereas, morals are the beliefs that an individual holds regarding good or bad, right or wrong. (Richardson, 2013). Furthermore, moral theories are used to explain why a certain action is right or wrong and why an individual acts in certain ways. Moral theories also answer how an individual determines what right and wrong conduct is. There

The virtue ethics theory focuses on what actions or choices an individual should choose based on their own personal inward character. Therefore, if an individual’s character is good then his or her actions or choices should also be good. The virtue ethics theory places responsibility on the individual for their actions or choices when confronted with a moral dilemma. Whereas, “a utilitarian or a Kantian theorist asks, what should I do?, a virtue ethicist asks, in effect, what should I be?” (Vaughn, 2010, pg. 134). Additionally, this theory best supports or describes my own approach to moral beliefs because I believe it to be the closest one to my Christian

In my Christian belief, I use my character to determine my moral choices by applying God’s Word in my life, and allowing the Holy Spirit to help guide me through everyday circumstances. Furthermore, the virtue ethic theory is closest to my own approach to moral beliefs because I also believe as the virtue ethicist believes that every day I “strive to be a particular kind of person-a virtuous person whose actions stem naturally from virtuous character.” (Vaughn, 2010, pg. 134). On the other hand, the theory that least supports or describes my own approach to moral beliefs would be the act-utilitarianism theory. This theory is one where the right moral action is based on the one that brings about the most favorable results for everyone. In addition, with this theory rules are irrelevant and moral choices are not made by an individual adhering to any set guidelines or morals. For example, one day it may be a good action or choice to tell a lie in a certain situation, but the next it may be a wrong action or choice to tell a lie depending on the circumstances. (Vaughn, 2010, pg.