Finding Your Moral Compass
In this reflection paper, discuss your own basis for ethical and moral decisions.
The Moral Theories in the textbook include: Ethical Subjectivism, Cultural Relativism, Utilitarianism, Deontology, Rights-Based Ethics, and Virtue Ethics. We use parts of two or more theories to make up a personal moral theory. What combination of two or more theories do you use to make a moral decision?
Your paper will be first person ("I") and should contain an explanation of your basis for deciding right and wrong. Be sure to include at least two of the moral theories from the textbook and at least one example from your life that shows you using your combined theories (this system of 2 or more theories) to make a moral decision. Finally, discuss what you have experienced to be the strengths and weaknesses of your system.
Avoid the temptation to be simplistic or to not really think about the question. For example, "I just do whatever seems right at the time" is not sufficient. You need to go deeper and think more critically - why does something "feel right"? For this reason, you should NOT use Ethical Subjectivism as one of your moral theories. Thoroughly read the theories to see why Ethical Subjectivism is a weak moral theory.