Compare and contrast ethical and moral belief systems

A moral is a particular manner of behavior that is generally acceptable in the society. It is what is considered to be upright and correct. Ethics on the other hand refers to philosophical branch that is more or less connected to morality. Although morals and ethics have more often been considered synonymous, the major difference is that while ethics have legal implications morals do not. This discussion looks at some philosophies, paying keen attention on their similarities and differences.

Teleology
The philosophy of teleology is based upon creation and the argument is that there is a purpose of reason as to why the nature is the way it is. According to this philosophy nature is characterized by beauty, order and complexity. This philosophy further argues that the features that are exhibited by nature are not in way by chance but instead a well thought procedure. This theory acknowledges the existence of a supreme being called God. This theory has been criticized due the fact that a duty that is moral in nature emanates from a given set of circumstances and which however lack a component that is moral in nature. An example is when this theory argues that all choices made by human beings are moral only when they bring happiness.

Deontology
This philosophy focuses on adherence of morals. It argues that for one to know what choices are correct in life you must understand the duties that exist in the society and the rules that govern these morals. This theory also argues that when we carry out our duties we are morally upright and when we do not then we are considered immoral. This theory has however been criticized widely mainly because it does not provide a distinct way of conflict resolution between two or more moral duties. In other words, a person is supposed to choose one of the moral duties whose consequences appear less evil in comparison to the other.

Utilitarianism
This philosophy argues that whether an action is right or wrong is determined on whether it derives pleasure and happiness. Consequences are thus the key factor in this theory and the outcome of a particular action determines the importance of an action. Utilitarianism revolves around the best interests of the majority. This philosophy is contrasted with deontological theory which does not base the importance of an action as its moral worth. Deontological theory looks at character more than the moral worth.

Egoism
The philosophy of egoism argues that personal interest must always override the interests of the larger community. It is argued that for you to love other people and help them you must first love yourself and do well to your own self. Egoism has more often than not been seen as the basis individualism and libertarianism.

Virtue
This is a philosophy that argues that the character of a person is more important than the consequence of an action. This is contrasted with the theory of consequentialism where the consequence of outcome of an action was considered more crucial than the character of the person

Application
Virtue provides a good basis so a so to have a better understanding of what capitalism is all about. Whistle blowing is also better understood in the context of virtue ethics

Justice
This theory argues that freedom and equality must always go hand in hand. This theory attempts to break the social stratifications that exist in societies. These social stratifications are such that the rich are given more recognition and freedom as opposed to those who do not have much. This theory is contrasted with egoism which argues that individuals should only think about themselves without paying much attention to other people. The theory of justice advocates for equality for all regardless of their social stratifications.

Application
Many judicial systems in many countries of the world are affected by this theory.

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