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Normative Ethical Theories
Normative ethics denotes a branch of philosophy that focuses on morality issues of what connotes wrong or right. The primary focus of normative ethics is on the implications of moral rules on the actions of humans and the justification of ethical standards. Conversely, understanding ethics is supported by three ethical theories, namely, the Kantianism theory, Consequentialism Theory, and virtue ethics. A brief illustration of the Virtue Ethics theory indicates its proponent to be Aristotle and primarily focuses on the character of the actor rather than the outcome and ethical duties. Virtue ethics emphasizes the virtue of the person acquired through practicing character traits like brevity, honesty, and generosity. Aristotle posits that a virtuous person acts in a good way and makes good decisions when dealing with challenges. However, this paper primarily focuses on Kantianism and Consequentialism theories of ethics.
Kantianism Theory of Ethics
Kantianism is a theory developed by Immanuel, a German scholar in the 18th century. Kant asserts that humans are rational beings surrounded by other rational beings and are guided by motivation in the dispensation of their actions. He believes that universal moral laws are important factors guiding ethical actions and that a person’s action is considered moral only if the character is morally motivated. Furthermore, the Kantianism theory emphasizes moral duties, and the morality of an action is centered on the conformity to the rules and duties without considering the consequences of your actions. However, there exists a distinction between right, and good as what is right might not necessarily be good, and Kant places more weight on the ‘right’ rather than the ‘good,’ for example, paying tax.
Moreover, most rules and duties emphasized by the Kantian Theory are rooted in the bible, with the common ones, including ‘do not lie’ and ‘do not steal. Further analysis of Kant’s Theory indicates that the motive and the intention of action define what is immoral and moral. Consequentially, the consequence of moral action is irrelevant to the morality of the person, as long as the intention is right. Additionally, intuition, moral sense, and reason are the guiding factors of what is right.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Kantian Theory of Ethics
The standard strength of Kantian Theory is its emphasis on rationality as he believes that humans are rational and use reason to identify the morality of an action. Also, Kant asserts that what constitutes wrong and right is universal to everyone and that what is considered impermissible or permissible morally is universalized. The universalization of ethics implies that equal treatment for all human beings in a similar ethical system, and therefore it provides a basis for human rights. Besides, the model is universal and not individualistic, which means that everyone is treated equally without special consideration, for example, in a hospital.
However, Kant’s Theory also has weaknesses to include inflexibility. The system is not flexible because it does not consider different situations that warrant different actions. For example, a condition that requires different actions, such as lying, to save a life. Additionally, society pays attention to the consequences of an action rather than the motive and morality. The irrationality of the people makes the model impractical, especially with the fact that not all people feel morally obligated to act in a certain way.
Consequentialism
Consequentialism denotes a set of theories that are concerned with the consequences of an action as opposed to Kantianism that does not consider consequences. Primarily, what is good or wrong is determined by the consequences of the action, and the actions of individuals are not guided by the moral obligations that depict the righteousness of action. This model emphasizes individuals’ capacity to assess the consequences of an action asserting that the level of right or good is dependent on the final product of the action. However, what is defined as good or wrong is dependent on the case scenario, as illustrated by theories of Utilitarianism and Hedonism. Utilitarianism asserts that good action gives satisfaction to many people. The actions of individuals are guided by the impact they bring and the highest good to a considerable number. Notably, the Theory takes into account the happiness of other people and not individual interests. On the other hand, Hedonism asserts that what is morally good produces consequences that depict sole pleasure. Therefore, Hedonism and utilitarianism emphasize the differential pleasure an action provides to be what constitutes good or wrong.
Strengths and weaknesses of Consequentialism Theories of Ethics
The application of the Consequentialism Theories has some strengths and weaknesses as well. First, the system is flexible as it is responsive to different situations. Unlike Kantianism, this system appreciates that different circumstances call for different actions to achieve the desired goal that is depicted as good. Also, the Theory gives a basis for examining whether an action is ethical. Secondly, the system is simple to use as it is individualistic. The Theory puts into account the need to individually evaluate circumstances before deciding on the best course of action. However, the system is also curtailed by various weaknesses. First, the system allows for higher levels of immorality as it gives room for immoral actions since it is only concerned with consequences. Another weakness is the uncertainty of consequences because it is challenging to tell the outcome of an action.
Conclusion
Normative Ethical theories are important segments laying the foundations of decision making as they act as sources of viewpoints for guiding decision making. Kantian Theory is concerned with the actions of the people, while Consequentialism theory deals with the consequences of an action. Modern society is a factor of concern as the two approaches are applied concurrently, especially decision making in government agencies. Kantian Theory represents a framework for acting morally ethical as an individual has to act according to the moral laws. However, the consequences of the action are unknown and can lead to outcomes that are morally good but detrimental to the societal niche.
Works Cited
Jamieson, Dale. Ethics and the Environment : An Introduction. Cambridge University Press, 2008.