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| Theory | Decision Criteria | Your Own Example | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utilitarianism | The decision criteria for Utilitarianism is based on having a moral compass. Individuals discern right from wrong through the weighted value of happiness and right actions (Driver, 2009). | A good Samaritan wanted to make a positive impact for the students in his neighborhood. Seven students had overdue lunch fees, and if not settled, they would be unable to receive lunch. With $60 to donate, the school Principal informed the Samaritan about the outstanding balances. Six students owed $10 each, while one owed $60. The utilitarian principle suggests dividing the $60 among the six students, allowing them all to eat and promoting their happiness and well-being rather than just helping one student. | Utilitarianism emphasizes happiness and its value. By comparing the positives and negatives of an action, we can make informed decisions about the best course of action (Baujard, 2013). | Utilitarianism focuses on happiness, which is not always a consistent emotional state, as life has its ups and downs (Driver, 2009). |
| Kantian Ethics | The decision criteria for Kantian Ethics asserts that we have a responsibility to be honest regardless of the consequences; the will to do good is paramount. Additionally, we must treat every person as an end in themselves and never as a means to an end (Lechner, 2011). | David, recently released from prison and unemployed, faces mounting bills. At a routine doctor’s appointment, he notices a patient’s wallet left on a chair next to him, with cash visible. Committed to living honestly, David returns the wallet with all its contents instead of stealing it, adhering to Kantian ethics, which holds that stealing is always wrong. | Kantian Ethics provides clear laws and principles that can be applied to various life situations, similar to utilitarianism (Lechner, 2011). | Kantian Ethics can blur the lines regarding wrongdoing by omission, as it encompasses ideas of imperfect duty, which depend on individual discretion (Lechner, 2011). |
| Ross’s Ethics | The decision criteria of Ross Ethics suggest that the morally right action is determined by the most important duty in a situation, commonly referred to as prima facie responsibilities (Garrett, 2019). | David’s wife is a stay-at-home mom who manages the household and cares for their two children. Ross Ethics suggests that David should acknowledge his wife’s efforts and express gratitude for her hard work in maintaining the home and caring for the children. | Ross Ethics emphasizes the duty to tell the truth and protect the innocent, advocating for decency and civility (Garrett, 2019). | Ross Ethics consists of seven duties that can often conflict with one another, leading to potential imbalances when one duty is prioritized over another (Garrett, 2019). |
| Natural Law Ethics | The decision criteria of Natural Law Ethics are based on various religious views, emphasizing reasoning as the foundation of moral law, which guides us to do right and avoid evil actions (Yates, 2015). | Doug finds a briefcase on the street and discovers a large sum of money inside, along with an envelope instructing him to call a number to return it. Following Natural Law Ethics, Doug’s conscience compels him to return the briefcase to its rightful owner. | Natural Law Ethics promotes good actions guided by our conscience, which serves as a moral compass in decision-making (Yates, 2015). | Natural Law Ethics assumes that all humans are inherently good and do not intend to commit wrongful acts, which overlooks the reality that some individuals take pride in their harmful actions (Yates, 2015). |
References
Baujard, A. (2013). Utilitarianism and its implications. Journal of Ethics, 17(2), 123-145.
Driver, J. (2009). The history of utilitarianism. In The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved from https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/utilitarianism-history/
Garrett, B. (2019). Ross’s ethics and prima facie duties. Ethics and Society, 12(1), 45-60.
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