Every day we are faced with the question of right and wrong. These questions may seem very simple (is it always wrong to lie?), but also very complicated (is it ever right to go to war?). Ethics is the study of these questions and suggests various ways we might resolve them. Here we will look at three traditional theories that have a long history and that provide great guidance in combating moral problems; we will also see that each theory has its difficulties. Ethics can offer a great deal of insight into questions of right and wrong; however, we will also find that ethics generally does not provide a simple solution that everyone can agree on (Mosser, 2013). Let's explore three classic ethical theories: utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics! Let's start with utilitarianism! A natural way to see whether an act is the right thing to do (or the wrong thing to do) is to look at its results, or consequences. Utilitarianism holds that, given a set of choices, the act we should choose is the one that produces the best outcomes for the greatest number of people affected by that choice. Definition of Utilitarianism After helping their mother clean out the attic, John and Mary are told that they can each have one cookie. When they open the cookie jar, only one remains. What do you think would be the best solution for John and Mary? Those who follow utilitarianism suggest that there is an obvious solution that is right, and might even appeal to common sense: John and Mary should share the cookie. Since everyone has the same right, they should divide it in half. They may not get what they want – each wants the whole cookie – but they are both better off with half a cookie than no cookie. Dividing t...... half of the paper ...... saying, "We agree to disagree." Think of a moral issue that is so important that it cannot be resolved in this way.2. A 7-year-old asks you to explain why stealing is wrong. (We will assume here that this is wrong.) How could you explain this? Here are some critical thinking questions to help you familiarize yourself with Chapter 2! (This is not an assignment, just an exercise to help you feel more comfortable with the chapter.)1. In a society that decides things on the basis of majority rule, is there a danger that the majority might ignore the legitimate concerns of minorities? What measures can be taken to protect the rights of minorities?2. Giving women the right to vote was, without a doubt, long overdue. What other rights, looking back at the history of the United States, took too long to be granted? Can you suggest a reason why it has been so difficult to obtain these rights??