Discussion Forum #3: Choosing an Ethical Approach

There are numerous models or theories that guide ethical thinking. Often, three two schools of thought rise to the top as exemplars of moral reasoning because they can be distilled down to different (but possibly complementary) ways of thinking about ethical quandaries–Utilitarianism (aka Consequentialism), Deontology, and Virtue Ethics.

For this forum assignment, please write at least 350 words covering the following three topics:

1. Identify the key differences between Utilitarian, Deontological, and Virtue Ethics thinking.
2. Which is your “favourite” ethical model–and why? Feel free to combine elements of more than one system to create your own hybrid model:)
3. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts.

NOTE: You will not be able to successfully complete this assignment until you have viewed ALL the videos and read ALL the readings for week 3 on Cougar Courses–starting with Harris, ch2: A Practical Ethics Toolkit.

Handout: Utilitarianism and Business: Ford Pinto case

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/feb/04/scientist-edited-babies-genes-acted-too-quickly-he-jiankui?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

https://www.genome.gov/about-genomics/policy-issues/Genome-Editing/ethical-concerns

Reproductive technology: Exploring ethical questions

Reproductive Technologies 101