Normative Ethical Theories, Essay Example

Utilitarianism is a simple view, which matches the common sense. Right or wrong is determined through cost-benefit analysis. An individual should consider all the consequences of good and bad before deciding if the action is right or wrong. Any of the actions is considered right if it causes good consequences as compared to alternative actions, and it is wrong if it does not cause good consequences. For example, education helps people to think in a rational manner and make quality decisions in their life. Education helps individuals to know how they can be productive members in the community.

In categorical imperative, Johnson argued that it asks people to behave in a rational manner, which would be rational to other people. For example, we have the right to defend ourselves when attacked; other people have the same rights to defend themselves when attacked. In consideration of education, it is a rational requirement because ignorance or illiteracy puts people at risk. If we push other people to be educated because of the problems caused by illiteracy, we should rationally be educated.

In the virtue of ethics theory, Aristotle argued that personal happiness is an important goal that we should promote. In addition, he argued that we should learn to behave or have habits, which will lead to personal happiness. For example, in most cases, it is wrong to attack people but sometimes it is necessary to attack people as self-defense. In education, it is a necessity for our personal happiness. Education is not for an individual how he/she should be happy, but because in most intellectual sorts of life are positive experiences we can have in life. When an individual is educated, he/she will secure a job or venture into business, which will make him happy or even enable him to know different ways of becoming happy.