Final Reflective Writing assignment

Throughout this course, I’ve had the chance to explore a variety of ethical theories that approach moral questions from very different angles. Three that stood out the most to me were Utilitarianism (a type of Consequentialism), Confucianism, and Virtue Ethics. Each one helped me think differently about what makes an action “right” or “wrong”, whether it’s the consequences of the action, the relationships involved, or the kind of person someone is trying to be.

Utilitarianism / Consequentialism

Utilitarianism was one of the first major frameworks we covered, and its focus on outcomes made me think. The basic idea is straightforward: the morally right choice is the one that leads to the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people. It sounds simple but applying it can be complicated. For example, in the case of the Equifax data breach, we used Utilitarian thinking to weigh the harm done to millions of people versus the company’s decision not to act sooner. From that angle, it became clear how badly they failed, because the harm caused by their inaction far outweighed any benefits they gained.

What I like about Utilitarianism is that it forces you to think about the bigger picture and the real-world impact of decisions. But I also saw how it can be problematic, like when it justifies sacrificing one person’s rights for the benefit of many. That felt wrong to me, and it made me realize that even though outcomes matter, we also need to think about fairness and individual dignity. It was a useful reminder that ethics isn’t always about doing math.

Confucianism

Confucianism brought a different vibe to our discussions. Instead of focusing on individual rights or outcomes, it emphasizes harmony, relationships, and fulfilling your role in society with integrity. It was refreshing to engage with an ethical system that sees morality as something deeply rooted in human connection. In our analysis of the cyber conflict between Israel and Iran, Confucian ideas helped frame the issue not just as a power struggle, but as a breakdown in mutual respect and relational responsibility.

One of the things I appreciated about Confucianism is how it centers everyday actions and relationships, things like respecting your elders, behaving properly in your role, and caring for others. These ideas feel very grounded in real life, not just theoretical. However, I also noticed that Confucianism can be a little unclear when tough conflicts arise, like when your duty to your family clashes with your responsibility to society. Still, it gave me a new way to consider morality as deeply social and not just about “doing the right thing” in a vacuum.

Virtue Ethics

Virtue Ethics stood out to me because it shifts the focus away from rules and consequences, and instead asks: What kind of person do I want to be? It’s more about character than specific actions. This framework came to life when we discussed Chelsea Manning and the “Collateral Murder” video. Rather than getting stuck in legal or political arguments, we looked at Manning’s courage, sense of justice, and willingness to take a huge personal risk for what she believed was right. That highlighted what Virtue Ethics is about, moral character, not just results.

What I liked most about Virtue Ethics is that it feels personal. It made me think not just about ethical decisions in the moment, but about how I live day to day. Am I being honest? Am I acting with integrity? It’s a reminder that ethics isn’t just for big moments; it’s also about the small, repeated choices that shape who we become. That said, it doesn’t always give a clear answer in urgent situations. Sometimes, you still need a bit more guidance than just “be virtuous.” But overall, it encouraged me to see ethics as a long-term journey, not just a checklist.

Final Thoughts

Engaging with Utilitarianism, Confucianism, and Virtue Ethics helped me see that no single ethical framework has all the answers. Utilitarianism made me think critically about the impact. Confucianism reminded me that relationships matter. Virtue Ethics pushed me to reflect on my growth and integrity. Each one has strengths and weaknesses, but together they gave me a broader, more well-rounded view of what it means to make ethical decisions. I’ll carry these lessons with me, not just in academic settings, but in everyday life and future professional situations as well.

Case analysis: