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Running Head: ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 1

Ethics Theory and Practice

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ETHICS THEORY AND PRACTICE 2

Ethics Theory and Practice

Question 1

The cost benefit analysis of any policy or project must first determine the most significant

costs and benefits. Cost benefit analysis is based on utilitarian foundation, since costs and

benefits are derived exclusively based on whether the impacts make members of society better

off or worse (Nas, 2016). Act utilitarianism is part of the utilitarian theory that is widely accepted

among the existing ethical theories. The Rule Utilitarian theory is best demonstrated when used

in serious ethical issues that affect whole societies and social cost benefit analysis is a perfect

example.

Cost analysis through a utilitarian approach assesses a policy based on its consequences

or outcomes, which are the advantages and costs to all interested parties on an individual level

(Thiroux, 2014). It, therefore, tries to bring about the best for the majority while also trying to

create the least number of harm or suffering. However, despite being a great way of adequately

weighing the costs and benefits of a proposed action or policy, cost benefit analysis also has

drawbacks that equally need to be considered.

For instance, CBA requires that all costs and benefits need to be identified and correctly

measured. However, human error often results in the process, such as accidentally overlooking or

forgetting certain costs and benefits due to the failure to predict indirect causal relationships.

Others include inaccurate calculations that can often lead to unintended consequences.

Question 2
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Most people tend to think of morality in the sense that a situation does not have a bearing

on what one needs to do. However, Kants moral theory, the categorical imperative, states that

we should act only in accordance with reasons that would apply to similar situations (Thiroux,

2014). It is important to note that the results of ones actions can never be taken into

consideration. This means that we are not to blame if commit an act because it was the right

thing to do, but it in one way or another it had negative outcomes. We are not in control of what

happens in the world since we can only act in ways we believe are appropriate.

For instance, if a doctor tries to save somebodys life if for one reason or another beyond

our control they end up dying, it is not their fault, and this should not undermine the persons

moral character. As such, the results are never based on moral reasoning but the universality of

the rule behind their actions. Hence the rule would be I shall strive to do my best and save the

lives of my patients. By making this statement universal, it would read, All doctors should

strive to save the lives of their patients.

Question 3

For several years, the central issue of ethics has been how can a person act? or what

should they be? However, ethics should actually try to offer us moral ideals or collective

guidelines that govern our actions. According to virtue ethics, there are certain principles, like

brilliance, devotion, and courage, which we should try to achieve, which will, in turn, allow the

full development of our humanity. It is only through self-reflection on our potential as humans

that these ideals can be discovered (Anon, 2017). The virtues are attributes, personalities, and

dispositions that permit us to be and act in ways that allow us cultivate this potential. The virtues

allow us to pursue the principles that we have embraced. For instance, excellence, courage,
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decency, kindness, loyalty, honesty, impartiality, and discretion are some of the examples of

virtues make us become great people in the society.

These virtues are developed through learning and practice. According to Zimmerman

(2015), people are able to improve their character through practicing self-control, while self-

indulgence can corrupt and destroy a good character. Just like a runner develops their skill

through training and practice, good character and the ability to be decent, kind, and loving can

also be developed through training and practice.

Question 4

Today, we live in a world of moral tensions, and these tensions originate from opposing

worldviews. Just by looking at the news today, one easily notices the rising intolerance and

violent clashes due to the world that is torn between opposing views. While these are events that

are not new to the world, it is clear that the trend is becoming more violent as a result of sections

of the society that feel their privileges and advantages are being challenged. This is particularly

the case for religious groups that feel the existence of God is being challenged due to the

perspectives of moral relativists (Lewis, 2016).

In both cases, moral relativists and moral absolutes contend that objective truth doesnt

exist, which only leaves one with nothing but interpretation. This can lead to clashing

interpretations especially in deciding what is true. Thus, according to moral relativists, there is

no truth, because it is not knowable and therefore all beliefs are equally true. Moral relativism

justifies every action of an individual or group of people, but had a particular group of people not

stood up against the slave trade, what would be the history of the United States today. Thus, the
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widespread adoption of moral relativism around the world can be seen as one of the main sources

of clashing worldviews.

Question 5

To an extent, the choices and decisions that people tend to make on a daily basis are all

somehow unconscious, particularly the little things they do. Religion and choices both play an

important role in our daily lives, and without the idea of God or some type of spirit, human

beings would be lost today (Anon, 2017). Although it has been debated for years, religion

influences our morality, if not necessary for morality. For instance, among within Christianity

and Islam, right or wrong is defined by the rules and laws set forth by the religions respective

god. This is also determined by the interpretation of the religious leaders in such organizations.

In most parts of the world such as Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, most religious

people feel that God is necessary foundation of morality and good values. However, in relatively

wealthy and secular nations of Western Europe and America, most people believe that morality

is possible without faith. And since for most religious people, morality and religion are the same

thing and are not separable. Therefore, to some extent, religion affects the choices of individuals,

given how it defines what is right and wrong. However, the lack of a common baseline for

defining what sin is makes it hard differentiate what is right from what is right.
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References

Anon, 2017, Free Will and Determinism, Free Will and Determinism, pp.116.

Lewis, C, M., 2016, Relativism and Religion, London, Springer.

Nas, TF 2016, Cost-benefit analysis: Theory and application, Lexington Books.

Thiroux, J P 2014, Ethics: Theory and Practice: Pearson New International Edition. Pearson

Education Limited.

Zimmerman, BJ, Schunk, D H, and DiBenedetto, MK 2015, A Personal Agency View Of Self-

Regulated Learning, Self-Concept, Motivation and Identity: Underpinning Success with

Research and Practice, p.83.

Anon, 2017, Virtue Ethics. Virtue Ethics, pp.110.

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