Consequential, Nonconsequential, and Virtue Theory

DISCUSSION 1

In this week’s Discussion, you will explore the major groups of ethical theories we call consequentialist (teleological), nonconsequentialist (deontological), and virtue theories. There are multiple theories in each category that you will be able to address in this week’s Discussion. These theories will serve as the foundation for all future Discussions and Assignments for the course. Having an opportunity to discuss these with your instructor and peers will help you understand how to use them to address ethical issues and questions.

To what extent do you believe that members of your family or your friends use consequential, nonconsequential, and virtue theory? Pick one example from each approach and describe how these approaches work or don’t work for them. Compare the strengths and weaknesses of your three chosen theories.

DISCUSSION 2

Complete the Ethical Theories Comparison Chart:

Over the course of thousands of years, various theories have been offered to explain the best way to determine what is ethical. The search for “good” or correct actions and thoughts has provided several strong approaches that are actively used today. While all of the various ethical theories seek to lead one to being ethical, they differ on how this should be accomplished. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to understand these differences when analyzing ethical decisions from various perspectives.

For this Assignment, you are to complete the chart for seven ethical theories based on the following criteria:

• How is “good” determined: Explain in one or two sentences what the theory argues is the correct way to determine what is right. This is the main argument of the theory in a nutshell.
• Most Noted Philosopher(s): Name the philosopher or philosophers most closely associated with the theory.
• Major Strengths: Using phrases or sentences, list at least two major strengths that is specific to that theory.
• Major Weaknesses: Using phrases or sentences, list at least two major weaknesses that is specific to that theory.

For this Discussion Board, review the Unit 9 Assignment you submitted to the Dropbox and the feedback you received from your instructor on this submission. Analyze the ways this document demonstrates your writing and research skills and developing knowledge of an issue in your field and why and how it demonstrates important skills you need for success on the job. Then reflect on any changes you think you might make to that document to make it even more effective now that you have viewed it again. Once you have reflected on this document in particular, reflect on your development as a writer, researcher and reader in this course. What skills have you developed and improved through the course, where do you still need improvement, and what will you do to make sure you continue along this path of development and improvement?