Running head: THREE THEORIES OF MORALITY 1

Three Theories of Morality

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Dorothy Hargraves

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Walden University

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Social Responsibility
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SOCI-4080c

Dr. Williams
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December 01, 2016

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 THREE THEORIES OF MORALITY 2

In human societies, the subject of morality is of interest. According to Webster desk

dictionary morality is dealing with, or capable of distinguishing between, right or wrong

(Webster dictionary, 2001). There have been many scholars involved in helping people to

understand the issues of morality better.

Aristotle, Kant, and Mill are among the most notable contributors to this area. Aristotle,

Kant, and Mill theories are all connected and aligned to a person’s cultural identity. Aristotle

theory of ethics emphasizes the practice of becoming useful and not just knowing the difference

between right and wrong. The good cause of action can depend on details of a given situation

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and not just the law. The theory that how best to live and humans must aim at the highest good

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was the answer Aristotle provided (Graham, 2004).

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John Stuart Mills utilitarianism theory provides that the actions tends to promote overall
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human happiness. It provides a need to focus on any consequences. Normative ethics theory is

known as Mill’s Theory, which proposes the best moral action is one that maximizes utility
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(Timmons, 2013). Mills theory and virtue ethics both have the same moral statement that
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consequence of any action are only standard of right and wrong.

Immanuel Kant developed Kantian ethics based on the view point God will is
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intrinsically good, actions can only be good if maximum behind it is in line with moral laws.

Kant and Mill difference in their views because Kant believed that such actions as theft, murder,
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and lying are prohibited, even where the actions have the potential of producing happiness rather
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than their alternative (Graham, 2008).

Kant, Mills, and Aristotle theories different in a few aspects, they connect in the sense
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they aim for the aspect of good and happiness in a given circumstance brought by actions.

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 THREE THEORIES OF MORALITY 3

The three theories are aligned to my culture from the point of seeking goodwill and

happiness from my acts. I agree that principles that individuals actions be analyzed by the right

that are brought by our actions.

I disagree with Aristotle and mill I believe that laws need to be applied consistently, not

being bent about a situation. On the other hand, I do agree with Kant I think that some

undesirable actions such as murder, theft, and lying should never be allowed, even though there

may be more benefits than alternatives.

Cultural identity also can affect social responsibility to the extent that one does his or her

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moral duty. Cultural identity will determine what is moral and will ultimately determine what

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socially responsible (Williams, 2008) is. Culture keeps evolving but the possibility that cultural

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identity can affect social responsibility, in a positive way where you learn to not ignore problems
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in the community. You must learn to adapt in producing goodness and happiness in the society.

Conclusion
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Kant, Mill, and Aristotle have made many contributions to the field of morality. Aristotle
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theory calls for the right application, right cause of action based on circumstances rather than

applying the law. Mill’s theory focused on consequences of actions and proposes actions ethical,
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if they help achieve happiness and good. Kant Theory stated despite actions to achieve good and

happiness some actions such as murder and theft cannot be allowed even if they have many
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benefits. It is possible to align ones culture with a given theory among the three based on the
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proposition.
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 THREE THEORIES OF MORALITY 4

References

Graham, G. (2004). Eight Theories of Ethics, New York, Psychology Press.

Timmons, M. (2013). Moral Theory: An introduction, New York, Rutledge

Williams, A. (2008). Morality and Social Responsibility, empwernetwork.com. Retrieved

from http://gsynergy.empowernetwork.com/blog/morality-and-social-responsibility.

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