A Comparison of Ethical Theories
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Philosophy & Religious Studies
Faculty Mentor
Peter Judge, Ph.D.
Abstract
The primary focus of this paper is to analyze and compare the varying ethical ideas and theories of Immanuel Kant, Epictetus, Nicolo Machiavelli, and Jeremy Bentham. However, in order to fully satisfy this intent a secondary concern must first be addressed. A common misconception among most groups of people is the view that morality and moral principles are the same as or interchangeable with ethics and ethical principles. This paper sets out to establish a scenario in which the difference between ethics and morality can more clearly be seen; from there, it will seek to establish and summarize Kant’s ethical stance as a means for comparison, assert the difference between ethical and moral behavior, and then move on to its main focus: I will analyze of the ethical theories of Epictetus, Machiavelli, and Bentham, and attempt to solve the ethical dilemma presented in the introduction from the perspectives offered by their respective theories. After this analysis, I will summarize the main points of each section, and I briefly offer my own opinions of the ethical ideas discussed.
Course Assignment
RELG 495 – Judge
Start Date
21-4-2017 3:30 PM
A Comparison of Ethical Theories
West Center, Room 217
The primary focus of this paper is to analyze and compare the varying ethical ideas and theories of Immanuel Kant, Epictetus, Nicolo Machiavelli, and Jeremy Bentham. However, in order to fully satisfy this intent a secondary concern must first be addressed. A common misconception among most groups of people is the view that morality and moral principles are the same as or interchangeable with ethics and ethical principles. This paper sets out to establish a scenario in which the difference between ethics and morality can more clearly be seen; from there, it will seek to establish and summarize Kant’s ethical stance as a means for comparison, assert the difference between ethical and moral behavior, and then move on to its main focus: I will analyze of the ethical theories of Epictetus, Machiavelli, and Bentham, and attempt to solve the ethical dilemma presented in the introduction from the perspectives offered by their respective theories. After this analysis, I will summarize the main points of each section, and I briefly offer my own opinions of the ethical ideas discussed.
