Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Ethics - Essay Example A third system of ethics is the deontological theory that lays emphasis on self-rule, acts of kindness, and universal justice. The fourth ethical theory is the virtue ethics. This theory contends that morals exist internally, laying more emphasis on the production of individuals who act ethically because they are naturally good people. Utilitarianism is the fifth widely accepted system of ethics. According to this theory, utilitarianism as a theory of ethics contends that actions need to be considered as wrong or right with regards to the consequences that the actions have. The theory makes an argument that good actions are those that give great happiness to as many individuals as possible (Wundt, 2010). Despite the fact that utilitarianism as an ethical theory has come in for some criticism, especially from the philosophical side, the theory is the most convincing of all the other mentioned ethical systems. Utilitarian Ethical System Utilitarianism as an ethical theory can be dated as far back as the 17th century. The theory is attributed to Thomas Hobbes, who was an ancient student of philosophy before it was reviewed Bentham in the 18th century and Stuart Mill reviewed it later (Ekland-Olson & Dirks, 2011). Stuart mill is regarded as the utilitarian theory’s father with research showing that, following his review of the theory, the theory became part of modern thought. Many people view the theory as a viable alternative to the more accepted Christianity. The reason that it is the most convincing of all the other ethical theories is because it tends to make a judgment on an act as either wrong or right depending on the act’s outcome (Ekland-Olson & Dirks, 2011). The implication of this is that, the utilitarian theory enables people to consider what consequence the act has before they elect to pursue a policy or action over other options that are available to them. When an individual considers the consequences of their individual actions, the the ory allows them to take other persons’ interests into account, rather than just their own personal interests. This is highly convincing when considered as an ethical system. Ethics involves doing what is right with regards to the interest of other individuals instead of doing it to suit one’s own interests. Thus, it is clear that the utilitarian ethical system is focused on the creation of a happier existence for as many persons in the society as possible (Ekland-Olson & Dirks, 2011). This factor makes the theory more convincing than others do. Utilitarianism is also made more convincing as a system of ethics by yet another factor that is its practicability and rationality. The utilitarianism ethics have their basis on a balanced calculation on how many persons can have their happiness and satisfaction maximized by the actions taken and their consequences (Smart, 2011). This is simple and clear, and through the application of utilitarianism as a fundamental standard fo r the judgment of what is wrong and what is right, it avoids the contamination of the moral of morality with perceptions that are irrational, feelings, as well as prejudices. The most essential factor that conveys the highly convincing status to this particular system of ethics is the fact that there is practicality in the rational computation principle (Smart, 2011). As an ethical system, the utilitarian t

Arabs' Generosity and Hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula Essay

Arabs' Generosity and Hospitality in the Arabian Peninsula - Essay Example Another major reason of the extreme generosity and hospitality of the Arabs is that they are encouraged by their religion to be that way. The influence on Islam on the culture of the Arabs cannot be overemphasized. This is evident from almost all good behaviors displayed by the Arabs. For example, the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula frequently make use of these words in their everyday conversation with one another; inshaAllah and mashaAllah, which mean â€Å"if Allah wills so† and â€Å"as Allah has willed† respectively. Islam is the religion of a vast majority of Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula. Islam places immense emphasis on the hospitality of guests and encourages its followers to be highly generous to others. Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said, â€Å"Nothing shall ensure the welfare (and interests) of your religion except generosity and good disposition† (ezsoftech.com, 2011). This is the reason why Islam has a well-defined system of Zakat i.e. charity. While p aying Zakat is obligatory upon every Muslim who has assets or money above a certain limit, Islam also encourages its followers to pay more than just Zakat from what they have to the deserving; known as Sadqa in Islam. Allah says, â€Å"Take alms from their wealth in order to purify them and sanctify them with it, and invoke Allah for them† (9:103 cited in Jabir al-Jaza'iry, 2013). In addition to Zakat and Sadqa, gift-giving is a very popular practice and tradition of Islam. Islam encourages its followers to exchange gifts with one another because it promotes love between them and causes the animosity to recede. It is important to note here that Islam has defined particular standards for gift-giving. Islam encourages its followers to give the same thing to others as gifts that they would choose... It is evident from the study that the Arabs consider being generous and hospitable a matter of honor and feel obliged to display it toward others as if it is a sacred duty that they have to perform. Arabs think of it more as an obligation and cultural duty to be generous and hospitable to each other as well as outsiders than simply a behavior. That is why they are famous for generosity and hospitality. Three main reasons of their generosity and hospitality are their centuries of living and trade in the deserts that made them extremely dependent upon one another, the teachings of Islam that place immense emphasis on the display of generosity and hospitality toward others, and the homogeneity of the culture and demographics of the Arab countries in the Arabian Peninsula. Islam is the religion of a vast majority of the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula, and its impact and influence of the culture of the countries in the Arabian Peninsula is immense. The extreme generosity and hospitality o f the Arab people makes the foreigners feel like at home in the Arab countries. This has benefited both the Arabs and the foreigners as millions of foreigners are employed in the Arab countries and are contributing to the development and prosperity of the Arab countries. Both nationally and internationally, the Arab countries of the Arabian Peninsula have adopted the policies of generosity and hospitality which has helped them foster good relations with other countries of the world.