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First, choose an issue in applied ethics that greatly interests you. You may choose any of the following topics covered in the assigned readings from our textbooks:For example: Abortion; Biomedical Issues (IVF, Stem Cell Research, etc.); Capital Punishment; Church-State Relations; Economics; Environment; Euthanasia; Just War; LGBTQ Issues; Marriage & Family; Healthcare; Political Engagement; Poverty; Racism and Race Issues; Sexual Ethics, etc.Second, based on the ethical theory you defended in Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories, formulate an ethical application on this specific issue in a thread. You are expected to use both textbooks as well as outside academic sources to support your analysis and argument. As you write your thread, consider the following flow for your essay:Step 1: Briefly summarize what theory you defended in Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories and what applied issue you are addressing in this discussion. If you have changed your mind on which theory from Discussion: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories you think is stronger, you may write an application for the theory you NOW think is the stronger theory. For example, if you defended Egoism and now think a Christian ethical theory is stronger, you may apply a Christian ethical theory.Step 2: Articulate a detailed application based on your theory. This should be the bulk of your thread.Step 3: Briefly describe a strong counterargument to your application and respond to it. For now, keep it brief (no more than one paragraph). In the Capstone Essay Assignment, you will have more room to elaborate.
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ETHC 101
DISCUSSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
The student will complete 3 Discussions in this course. The student will post one thread of at
least 500–600 words. The student must then post 1 reply of at least 500–600. You must try to
respond to a classmate who has not received a reply yet. For each thread, students must support
their assertions with at least 1 scholarly citation in Turabian format. Each reply must incorporate
at least 1 scholarly citation in Turabian format. Biblical references are highly encouraged, but
will not count as an academic source. Any sources cited must have been published within the last
five years. Acceptable sources include the course textbooks, books, journal articles, periodicals,
and similar publications. Sources such as Wikipedia and online dictionaries do not count as
academic sources and should not be used.
Discussion Thread:
Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories
David Gross
Introduction to Ethics, Liberty University
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Discussion Thread: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories
Defining “the good”
Christian ethical theory and utilitarianism are two distinct ethical theories that focus on
promoting human well-being and achieving morally good outcomes. Christian ethics is grounded
in religious teachings and principles, aiming to align actions with God’s will and moral precepts.
It emphasizes love, justice, mercy, and compassion, while utilitarianism emphasizes maximizing
the pleasure or well-being of the largest number of individuals.
Claiming to know “the good”
Christian ethics has an objective moral foundation, emphasizing virtues and guidance for
complex moral issues. However, it faces challenges such as interpretive differences, exclusivity,
and limited empirical basis. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, offers a universal applicability,
focusing on consequences and flexibility, and adaptability to various moral dilemmas and
societal issues.
Commonalities and Differences
The recognition of the significance of human flourishing is shared by the two theories.
Christian ethics prioritizes fulfilling God’s purpose for humanity, which frequently involves
promoting human welfare. On the other hand, utilitarianism endeavors to maximize the
happiness or well-being of all individuals affected by an action (Colosi 2020)1.
Their fundamental differences, however, reside in their foundations and guiding
principles. Christian ethical theory bases its concept of “the good” on divine revelation,
emphasizing obedience to God’s will and the pursuit of virtues consistent with God’s nature. As a
Peter J. Colosi, “Christian Personalism versus Utilitarianism: An Analysis of Their Approaches to Love and
Suffering*,” The Linacre Quarterly 87, no. 4 (2020): 425–437, https://doi.org/10.1177/0024363920948331.
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secular theory, utilitarianism is based on empirical observation and rational analysis, with the
maximization of overall happiness as the ultimate moral objective.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Christian and utilitarianism are two ethical theories with different strengths and
weaknesses (Colosi 2020)2. Christian ethics provides an objective moral foundation based on
divine revelation and scriptural principles, emphasizing virtues and providing guidance for
complex moral issues. It also offers a comprehensive framework for decision-making. However,
it faces interpretive challenges, exclusivity, and limited empirical basis. Utilitarianism, on the
other hand, offers a universal applicability, focusing on consequences and overall happiness, and
being flexible and adaptable. However, it faces measurement challenges, potential sacrifice of
individual rights, and ignoring intrinsic value. Both theories can be evaluated based on their
strengths, weaknesses, and approaches to defining “the good.” The choice between them depends
on the specific moral dilemma and values prioritized (Timmermann 2019)3.
The strength of an ethical theory is contingent upon its capacity to furnish a cohesive and
all-encompassing structure for the process of moral decision-making. This depends on factors
like cultural context, personal beliefs, and the complexity of the ethical dilemma.
Conclusion
Christian ethical philosophy and Utilitarianism are two distinct ethical frameworks that
offer contrasting perspectives on moral decision-making. Both theories have a shared emphasis
on the advancement of human well-being and a common aspiration to attain morally
Peter J. Colosi, “Christian Personalism versus Utilitarianism: An Analysis of Their Approaches to Love and
Suffering*,” The Linacre Quarterly 87, no. 4 (2020): 425–437, https://doi.org/10.1177/0024363920948331.
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Jens Timmermann, “Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism,” The Cambridge Companion to Utilitarianism (2019):
239–257, https://doi.org/10.1017/cco9781139096737.013.
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commendable results. However, they diverge considerably in terms of their underlying
principles, epistemological bases, and methodologies for ethical decision-making. Christian
ethics and utilitarianism are two theoretical frameworks that prioritize the promotion of human
welfare. In order to make well-informed ethical decisions, it is crucial to assess these theories by
considering their respective merits, limitations, and practical ramifications. Christian ethics gives
a moral framework that is firmly grounded in religious faith and virtues, whereas Utilitarianism
presents a more secular and consequentialist perspective.
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Bibliography
Colosi, Peter J. “Christian Personalism versus Utilitarianism: An Analysis of Their Approaches to
Love and Suffering*.” The Linacre Quarterly 87, no. 4 (2020): 425–437.
Timmermann, Jens. “Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism.” The Cambridge Companion to
Utilitarianism (2019): 239–257.
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