Briefly summarize what theory you defended in Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories and what applied issue you are addressing in this discussion
First, choose an issue in applied ethics that greatly interests you. You may choose any of the following topics covered in the assigned readings from our textbooks:
For example: Abortion; Biomedical Issues (IVF, Stem Cell Research, etc.); Capital Punishment; Church-State Relations; Economics; Environment; Euthanasia; Just War; LGBTQ Issues; Marriage & Family; Healthcare; Political Engagement; Poverty; Racism and Race Issues; Sexual Ethics, etc.
Second, based on the ethical theory you defended in Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories, formulate an ethical application on this specific issue in a thread. You are expected to use both textbooks as well as outside academic sources to support your analysis and argument. As you write your thread, consider the following flow for your essay:
Step 1: Briefly summarize what theory you defended in Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories and what applied issue you are addressing in this discussion. If you have changed your mind on which theory from Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories you think is stronger, you may write an application for the theory you NOW think is the stronger theory. For example, if you defended Egoism and now think a Christian ethical theory is stronger, you may apply a Christian ethical theory.
Step 2: Articulate a detailed application based on your theory. This should be the bulk of your thread.
Step 3: Briefly describe a strong counterargument to your application and respond to it. For now, keep it brief (no more than one paragraph). In the Capstone Essay Assignment, you will have more room to elaborate.
Discussion Assignment Instructions
The student will complete 3 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at least 500–600 words. The student must then post 1 reply of at least 500–600. You must try to respond to a classmate who has not received a reply yet. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 scholarly citation in Turabian format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in Turabian format. Biblical references are highly encouraged, but will not count as an academic source. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the course textbooks, books, journal articles, periodicals, and similar publications. Sources such as Wikipedia and online dictionaries do not count as academic sources and should not be used.
Discussion Thread:
Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories
David Gross
Introduction to Ethics, Liberty University
Discussion Thread: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories
Defining “the good”
Christian ethical theory and utilitarianism are two distinct ethical theories that focus on promoting human well-being and achieving morally good outcomes. Christian ethics is grounded in religious teachings and principles, aiming to align actions with God’s will and moral precepts. It emphasizes love, justice, mercy, and compassion, while utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing the pleasure or well-being of the largest number of individuals.
Claiming to know “the good”
Christian ethics has an objective moral foundation, emphasizing virtues and guidance for complex moral issues. However, it faces challenges such as interpretive differences, exclusivity, and limited empirical basis. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, offers a universal applicability, focusing on consequences and flexibility, and adaptability to various moral dilemmas and societal issues.
Commonalities and Differences
The recognition of the significance of human flourishing is shared by the two theories. Christian ethics prioritizes fulfilling God’s purpose for humanity, which frequently involves promoting human welfare. On the other hand, utilitarianism endeavors to maximize the happiness or well-being of all individuals affected by an action .
Their fundamental differences, however, reside in their foundations and guiding principles. Christian ethical theory bases its concept of “the good” on divine revelation, emphasizing obedience to God’s will and the pursuit of virtues consistent with God’s nature. As a secular theory, utilitarianism is based on empirical observation and rational analysis, with the maximization of overall happiness as the ultimate moral objective.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Christian and utilitarianism are two ethical theories with different strengths and weaknesses . Christian ethics provides an objective moral foundation based on divine revelation and scriptural principles, emphasizing virtues and providing guidance for complex moral issues. It also offers a comprehensive framework for decision-making. However, it faces interpretive challenges, exclusivity, and limited empirical basis. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, offers a universal applicability, focusing on consequences and overall happiness, and being flexible and adaptable. However, it faces measurement challenges, potential sacrifice of individual rights, and ignoring intrinsic value. Both theories can be evaluated based on their strengths, weaknesses, and approaches to defining “the good.” The choice between them depends on the specific moral dilemma and values prioritized .
The strength of an ethical theory is contingent upon its capacity to furnish a cohesive and all-encompassing structure for the process of moral decision-making. This depends on factors like cultural context, personal beliefs, and the complexity of the ethical dilemma.
Conclusion
Christian ethical philosophy and Utilitarianism are two distinct ethical frameworks that offer contrasting perspectives on moral decision-making. Both theories have a shared emphasis on the advancement of human well-being and a common aspiration to attain morally commendable results. However, they diverge considerably in terms of their underlying principles, epistemological bases, and methodologies for ethical decision-making. Christian ethics and utilitarianism are two theoretical frameworks that prioritize the promotion of human welfare. In order to make well-informed ethical decisions, it is crucial to assess these theories by considering their respective merits, limitations, and practical ramifications. Christian ethics gives a moral framework that is firmly grounded in religious faith and virtues, whereas Utilitarianism presents a more secular and consequentialist perspective.
Bibliography
Colosi, Peter J. “Christian Personalism versus Utilitarianism: An Analysis of Their Approaches to Love and Suffering*.” The Linacre Quarterly 87, no. 4 (2020): 425–437.
Timmermann, Jens. “Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism.” The Cambridge Companion to Utilitarianism (2019): 239–257.
Collepals.com Plagiarism Free Papers
Are you looking for custom essay writing service or even dissertation writing services? Just request for our write my paper service, and we'll match you with the best essay writer in your subject! With an exceptional team of professional academic experts in a wide range of subjects, we can guarantee you an unrivaled quality of custom-written papers.
Get ZERO PLAGIARISM, HUMAN WRITTEN ESSAYS
Why Hire Collepals.com writers to do your paper?
Quality- We are experienced and have access to ample research materials.
We write plagiarism Free Content
Confidential- We never share or sell your personal information to third parties.
Support-Chat with us today! We are always waiting to answer all your questions.
