Ethical philosophy 5 points of view

So far we have discussed/debated 5 different ethical points of view in class: Kantian, Utilitarian (Bentham), Virtue (Aristotle), Feminist, and ethical relativism.

Here's an overview of each of the theories:

Kantian: For every society there exists a categorical imperative which transcends each society. This is similar to the golden rule and biblical aphorism: Do onto others as you would have them do onto you.  A person following kantian ethics would consider if their actions could be repeated and used as a universal law of how to live. If the answer is no then the person will not perform that task. Overall, kantian ethical philosophers reason rationally. For the ethical question of returning a wallet with $500 in it and a name, a Kantian philosopher would return the wallet because if you were the person who lost the wallet you would want someone to return it. Also a society shaped around theft would most likely fail to prosper.

Utilitarian/Bentham: Bentham examines each situation mathematically and adds up the total happiness or goodness done by each action. The action that causes the most good is the best choice. For utilitarians, inflicting the greatest happiness is best, while the greatest harm is worst. For the wallet question, a utilitarian would return the wallet because the harm of the guilt of taking the money would counter any happiness that the money would provide.

Virtue/Aristotle: Aristotle ethics solve ethical dilemmas by determining which choice makes the greatest improvement one's virtues or character. Virtues include honesty, courage, respectability etc. If an action damages one of those virtues then that action should be avoided because virtues are what make character and lead to happiness. A virtue ethicist would return the wallet because honest is a virtue that's broken by theft. Because taking the wallet requires being dishonest, a virtue ethicist would return it.

Feminist: feminists argue that many philosophers fail to include women and other neglected groups in their considerations. Feminists favor a egalitarian view on ethics that counts each view equally. Feminists generally side slightly with the rational perspective. Feminists disvalue moral constructs as they are often not equal and fair. For the wallet question a feminist would return the wallet because regardless of who the wallet belongs to, returning it is the action that encourages the most equality with disregard to race or gender.

Ethical relativism: Ethical relativists argue that each situation is dependent on the morals of that society. What is right for one society may not be right for another. This means that universal laws are very rare and or impractical. An ethical relativist would do what is right for their society or microcosm. If the wallet was found in New York City where small crime occurs a considerable amount, the person would be right in taking the money from the wallet.