Assignment 1: Complete the Ethical Theories Comparison Chart:
Over the course of thousands of years, various theories have been offered to explain the best way to determine what is ethical. The search for good or correct actions and thoughts has provided several strong approaches that are actively used today. While all of the various ethical theories seek to lead one to being ethical, they differ on how this should be accomplished. Each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to understand these differences when analyzing ethical decisions from various perspectives.
For this Assignment, using your own words, you are to complete a chart for the first four ethical theories (utilitarianism, ethical egoism, Kantianism, and Divine Command Theory) based on the following criteria:
- How is good determined? Explain in one or two sentences what the theory argues is the correct way to determine what is right. This is the main argument of the theory in a nutshell.
- Most Noted Philosopher(s): Name the philosopher or philosophers most closely associated with the theory.
- Major Strengths: Using phrases or sentences, list at least two major strengths that are specific to that theory.
- Major Weaknesses: Using phrases or sentences, list at least two major weaknesses that are specific to that theory.
You may format the chart any way you wish to include all of the required elements, but you can use the if you prefer. You will be adding to the chart in Units 3, 5, and 7.
