I have always been a fan of quotes and the people who say them. I think I idolize people who are virtuous and model ethical behavior. Aristotle said that a way to learn ethics is to select heroes that you admire and model behavior according to what you think they would do. It is important to also have a mind of your own and not just copy off of what they do. I use this tactic in my daily life by picking traits I like about certain people and trying to model them myself. Aristotle also said that you can become something by doing acts that are related to it; for example you can become brave by doing brave acts.
Immanuel Kant coined categorical imperative, which implies that you should act so your choices could be universal law and treat humanity as an end, never as just a means. For me this is the hardest theory to grasp because it focuses on the action itself. I tend to associate ethics as a more personal thing and that it would come down to the person who is deciding in the ethical dilemma. Aristotle believes in placing the emphasis on the actor as well. However things like rules that have been set in stone could apply here, and that everyone must follow by these rules. We have to act from a sense of duty rather than what we personally want. I disagree with this view because 1.) I am selfish and think life is too short to be straight edged and miserable abiding by every rule that is set in front of you. 2.) The people I admire are ones that took risks and did things for themselves and focused on their dreams rather than on ethical duty. I don't agree with being reckless but I do agree with being selfish, within reason.
Utilitarianism views harming one person for the benefit of a larger group as ethical. It can more clearly identify right and wrong and conflicts are better resolved. It focuses on the consequences of an action. It makes quantity and quality equal- no one is placed higher than the other or given advantages.
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