Ethics Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Ethics - Research Paper Example Ethics are divided into multiple perspectives or parts. Happiness is a critical aspect of ethics. There are multiple ethical theories. One of the perspectives of ethics suggests that the determination of morals depends on the simple ability to separate right from wrong (Aristotle and Augustine 41). Thinkers argue that the moral aspect of actions is entirely dependent of the simplicity and practicality of separating right from wrong. There is an approach that is deontological conceptually. It suggests that some actions are considered to be ethically right inherently (Corradetti 31). They include keeping promises, respecting others, and telling the truth. Other actions are considered to be inherently bad. They include theft, manipulation and dishonestly. Even when good comes from lying, it is never considered to be right. Man is perceived to have the right to pursue happiness or pleasure (Bloom 29). Happiness is attainable according to studies. However, the definition of happiness may not be the same to all men. According to Aristotle, happiness must be perceived as a quality of the entire life of a human being. This argument suggests that the pain and troubles of life cannot be used to gauge the degree of happiness in life. A young person cannot be said to be happy since he only possess dreams and hopes. Happiness must be a reflection of a totality of life (Corradetti 31). Prosperous young people can fall to the deepest adversity in their old age. The amount of pleasure or plain determines the human ethics expected (William 23). A telling example is theft. While the act is not ethical, it gives pleasure to the thief. This paper explores the ethical theory of relativism and absolutism, its perspectives and criticism by considering the scripture and philosophers. Relativism and absolutism Relativism is the theory on ethics that deals with individual beliefs. The theory suggests that an individual’s activities and beliefs are partly influenced by their cultu re (Bloom 29). Moral relativism is not seen to have an appeal on universal moral truth (Corradetti 31). The social and cultural environment has a profound influence on the beliefs and practices of an individual. Judgments should be made based on the influence of the culture and society (Aristotle and Augustine 41). The ethical theory appeals to a plurality of values and ethics (William 23). It also suggests that there should be inter-cultural tolerance given there exists no absolute morals standards. However, cultural relativism is different from ethical relativism. Therefore, the theory has been perceived to reveal the need for a universal moral standard given the fact that it has no fostered cultural tolerance. Morality is explained as a convenient term for customs that have been approved socially. The suggestion implies that the morality has no place in the universal real (Bloom 29). No ethical principle is supreme to others according to the theory of relativism. The theory is us ed to explain contemporary concepts like homosexuality and murder which can be cited to validate the theory (Corradetti 31). The theory of relativism is seen to the shifting from cultural to ethical. This transformation is increasingly gaining momentum and moral social and cultural controversies continue to affect the modern society (William 23). The theory has been criticized by arguments that suggest that morality is not subject to cultural conventions (Nash 19). Morality should be used to indicate the inherent