Philosophical ethics

Different thinkers described philosophical ethics differently. Ethics described as moral virtue by Aristotle. Ethics can be defined as a collection of principles from the various meanings, which affect our decisions on a daily basis in life. Ethics reveals who we are and how our personalities are in turn created. (Germany, 2014)

In many of the circumstances we find ourselves in, ethics directs us. In various fields of work, they overcome the problems we face. Ethics in various fields of study or practice are important, for example in business, sociology, health care, law and education. [Charles, 2009]. Ethical practice in our daily activities avoids many challenges that we may encounter. It ensures that integrity and quality produce or services are enhanced in our practice. There are many ethical issues that seem to arise on a daily basis. Such ethical issues may include challenges of seeking consent, respecting peoples’ confidentiality, avoiding harm in our practice, avoiding forgery or plagiarism and many more.

Ethics is an important topic to me and to those other people who I relate with. Ethics direct me into making upright decisions and choices on the right route to follow when executing my duties. They also make our society better because without ethical practice, the society could be a miserable place (Fearn, 2012). It is through moral conduct among the members of the society that we maintain a clean environment, avoid discrimination, ensure equality, reduces stress that accompanies guilt, ensure goodwill in our practice, build confidence in others, and succeed in business and securing a chance of employment in the job market. We should always consider applying those practices that will ameliorate our society and hence result to better moral life.

Theoretical ethics are based on trying to comprehend ethical terms, characteristics of ethics and rationale behind ethics (Spinoza, 2016). It tries to undertake a practical approach to issues, this means that we consider the practicability of the decision made and also making an applicable judgment. On the other hand, normative ethics investigates actions which are right and those which are termed as wrong. These ethics are described as normative because they have moral principles as the standard of good character.

According to Aristotle, moral virtue is the only practical road to undertaking a sensible action. He described virtue as the excellence of character which produces an excellent conduct. He emphasized on not just knowing the moral character but also practicing it. This would ultimately lead to attaining of happiness and well-being (Aristotle, 2016).

Aquinas brought up an important issue in philosophy whereby he stated that certain privileges are inherent in that they are gifted by nature. Kant believed that there are certain actions that are prohibited completely and that there is no time they will be of benefit. Actions such as theft, promiscuity, murder are unacceptable even if they are the better alternative action (Bonhoeffer, et al, 2009)

Ethical egoism and utilitarianism are theories that guide moral rules. Egoism explains that an action is good if it is helpful to the doer. It does not put into consideration the effects this action has on other people. It therefore leaves many questions unanswered about the suitability of following this theory. On the other hand, utilitarianism is based on the consequence our actions have on people, it insists that good actions have beneficial impacts to the doer as well as to other people. It has been observed that it is difficult to implement the two theories fully since egoism will promote oppression while utilitarianism is not practical since most actions have both positive and negative repercussions. (Tannsjo, 2013)

Generally, give us with ideas on how we can better our lives and the lives of other people. Ethical considerations in our social and personal lives result in a better society that we will all enjoy living in. The various theories trying to expound on ethics are of great importance in coming up with the best decisions on dilemmas that we may meet in life.

Works cited.

Aristotle. The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle. Lanham, Dancing unicorn books, 2016.

Bonhoeffer D, Green C.J, Krauss R, West C.C, Stott D.W. Ethics. Minneapolis, Fortress press, 2009.

Fearn N. Philosophy. Atlantic Books Limited. 2012.

Spinoza B & Elwes R.H. The Ethics. Dancing Unicorn Books. 2016

Tannsjo T, Understanding Ethics. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. 2013.

Thompson M. Philosophy, Teach yourself. London, 2010.

William P, Mahieu D.L. Principles of Moral and Political Philosophy. Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 2014.