Ethics

Kantianism is an ethical theory that focuses on the act and not the consequences when deciding if the act is ethical. The only inherently good thing in the world is good will.

Act Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on the consequences. Act Utilitarianism specifies that morality of an action has nothing to do with intent. To decide of an act is ethical, you add up change in happiness of all affected beings.

Rule Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that advocates the adoption of moral rules that, if followed by everyone, will lead to the greatest increase in total happiness.

Social Contract Theory is an ethical theory that states that in a society there is a social contract which is generally accepted. In Social Contract Theory the government is capable of enforcing said rules.

Even though these theories are clearly defined, our own personal interpretation on if a certain circumstance should be considered ethical by these theories was not the same in class. This could be due to a difference in our interpretation of the actual action, or our interpretation of the theories.

Kantianism seems to be the most lenient in saying an action is ethical because kantianism factors in the intent of the person who took the action. Social contract theory is most what our current society goes by for ethics. We have a set of generally accepted rules that people are supposed to follow, if they do not follow those rules they are punished.