Ethical frameworks, a Christian framework and a competing ethicalframework

Full Answer Section

• • Often incorporates natural law principles.
• Strengths:
  • Provides a clear and consistent moral compass based on divine authority.
  • Emphasizes compassion, forgiveness, and self-sacrifice.
  • Offers a transcendent perspective on morality, grounding it in ultimate reality.
  • It promotes community, and caring for those who are less fortunate.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can lead to rigid interpretations of scripture, potentially resulting in intolerance or discrimination.
  • Relies on faith, which may not be universally accepted.
  • Interpreting biblical commands in modern contexts can be challenging.
  • Different Christian denominations can have different ethical interpretations.

2. Utilitarianism:

• Core Principles:
  • Focuses on maximizing overall happiness or "utility."
  • Actions are judged based on their consequences.
  • The "greatest good for the greatest number" is the guiding principle.
  • Impartiality and equality are emphasized.
• Strengths:
  • Provides a seemingly objective and quantifiable approach to ethics.
  • Promotes actions that benefit the majority.
  • Useful for addressing social and political issues.
  • It is a secular ethical framework.
• Weaknesses:
  • Can lead to the exploitation of minorities if the majority's happiness is prioritized.
  • Difficult to accurately predict the consequences of actions.
  • May disregard individual rights and justice in pursuit of overall happiness.
  • It can be difficult to quantify happiness.

Argument for Relative Strengths:

Both frameworks have valuable insights, but I argue that a well-reasoned Christian ethical framework offers a stronger foundation for morality. Here's why:

• Intrinsic Value of Human Life:
  • The Christian framework, grounded in the belief that humans are created in God's image, affirms the intrinsic value and dignity of every person, regardless of their contribution to overall happiness. Utilitarianism, while promoting equality, can potentially devalue individuals if their existence does not maximize utility.
• Moral Character and Virtue:
  • Christian ethics emphasizes the development of moral character and virtue, which are essential for a just and compassionate society. Utilitarianism, while focusing on actions, can overlook the importance of character.
• Transcendent Grounding:
  • Christian ethics provides a transcendent grounding for morality, grounding it in a higher power, providing a stable and objective foundation. Utilitarianism, being grounded in human feelings, can be more subjective.
• Love and Compassion:
  • The central tenant of Christianity is love. This promotes a society in which people care for one another, especially those who are suffering.
• Addressing the Weaknesses:
  • While rigid interpretations of scripture can be a weakness, a balanced and nuanced approach that emphasizes love and compassion can mitigate this.
  • While faith is required, the concepts of natural law, which are often incorporated into Christian ethics, provide a bridge to those who do not share the same faith.

While utilitarianism offers a practical approach to maximizing well-being, its focus on consequences alone can neglect the intrinsic value of individuals and the importance of moral character. A well-reasoned Christian ethical framework, grounded in love, justice, and the inherent dignity of all persons, provides a more robust and comprehensive foundation for ethical decision-making.

Sample Answer

When comparing ethical frameworks, it's crucial to understand their core principles and how they address moral dilemmas. Let's compare a Christian ethical framework with utilitarianism, and then argue for the relative strengths of each.

1. Christian Ethical Framework:

• Core Principles:
  • Based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the Bible.
  • Emphasizes love for God and neighbor as the greatest commandments.
  • Focuses on divine commands, moral character, and the pursuit of holiness.
  • Values human dignity as created in God's image.