Three Rival Theories of Ethics

What is the ultimate standard of morality? Is it the best possible outcome for the most people? Is it dutiful and self-sacrificial adherence to absolute rules? Or should ethics aim at cultivating excellent moral character for happiness? Contemporary philosophers face a stalemate between three main ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics. This course will examine the essential principles of each of these three theories and then scrutinize their practical application and ramifications in real world scenarios. What principles ought to be rejected and accepted? What combinations of the theories are possible?