Philosophical Ethics. Literature & Language Coursework

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Philosophical Ethics
Short Answer Questions
1 The main teachings of virtue ethics are based on the importance of individual character in making moral decisions. The morality of actions is guided by ideal character traits and values that an individual holds. Utilitarian ethics are based on the principle of utility and they teach that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by whether the action “produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people (Dimmock and Fisher, p.11).” Actions that promote goodness for many people are considered right and as such, utilitarian ethics are about maximizing goodness, regardless of other consequences. Kantian ethics teach that actions are either right or wrong based on whether they serve the duty that has been given to an individual. Therefore, the consequences of the actions should not be used to determine the rightness or wrongness of an action (Dimmock and Fisher, p.32). The difference between the three theories of ethics is that virtual ethics focus on individual character, utilitarian ethics focus on maximizing benefits for more people, while Kantian ethics focus on fulfilling duty and goodwill. 
2 Nietzsche is one of the main critics of traditional ethical theories and he rejects morality based on its disvaluable nature. This is to say that morality is bad as it hinders the excellent few from excelling and living the best life there is (Robertson, p.138). He also criticizes the claim that we all are responsible for our actions since we have free will and he puts into question the demanding nature of traditional ethical theories. According to him, morality demands that everyone should comply with its values, duties, and norms, regardless of whether they serve what is good to people at individual levels (Robertson, p.139). Therefore, the excellent few have to comply with those demands even when they limit them from achieving excellence. This is even made worse by the fact that morality applies to everyone equally such that there is no escaping morality in pursuit of excellence, at least not for the higher types that Nietzsche is concerned about. 
3 The original position is a central attribute of John Rawls’ theory of justice and fairness. It is a hypothetical view that is meant to be fair and impartial when it comes to dealing with issues of justice and fairness. In the original position, parties are provided ...