Exploring Virtue, Ethics, and Moral Absolutes: A Personal Reflection

Abstract

Introduction Throughout this unit my second Reflection, I have been challenged and enriched by exploring different ethical theories and applying them to real-life moral situations. Before taking this course, I often thought of right and wrong in simple terms, but reading Ethics: Theory and Practice by Thiroux and Krasemann (2014) helped me see that ethics involves deep reflection, reasoning, and understanding human nature. The discussions we have had in class and the readings have strengthened my moral reasoning and encouraged me to think about why people act the way they do. This reflection highlights the ways I have grown by examining key ethical concepts such as VIRTUE, MORAL ABSOLUTES, UTILITARIANISM, the VALUE OF LIFE PRINCIPLE, and REHABILITATION. Learning About Virtue and Moral Character One of the most meaningful lessons for me was learning about VIRTUE and Aristotle’s belief that moral character is something developed through habit and deliberate choice rather than something people are born with. According to Thiroux (2014), virtue is practiced and strengthened over time, much like a skill. This idea resonated with me deeply because I have seen how people, including myself, grow morally through life experiences, education, and reflection. I used to think that some people were just “naturally good,” but now I understand that goodness is something we must work toward every day. In my personal experience, my values were shaped by my family and my work in education. As a special education assistant, I witness children learning empathy, patience, and respec, virtues that are modeled by adults around them. These experiences reinforce the idea that moral behavior is not instinctive but taught. Teaching moral reasoning in schools, modeling ethical behavior, and encouraging empathy are ways we can help others develop VIRTUE ETHICS in real life. This understanding has challenged me to be more intentional about the example I set for students and even for my own children. Moral Absolutes and Human Dignity Another concept that made a strong impact on me is MORAL ABSOLUTES. When I studied the idea that some actions are always wrong, no matter the situation, I thought about the discussion around the rule “Rape is always wrong.” Thiroux (2014) explained that some rules can be considered “near absolutes,” but rape remains a true absolute because it always violates human dignity and freedom. Reflecting on this made me realize how important it is to uphold universal moral principles that protect others’ rights. In my view, there can be no exceptions to the rule against rape because it involves force, domination, and emotional trauma. It strips away a person’s autonomy, which goes against the foundation of ethics and respect for others. Understanding ABSOLUTISM reminded me that while some moral decisions depend on context, others like respect for consent and human safety, should never be compromised. This has enriched my thinking because I now see the balance between moral flexibility and the need for unbreakable ethical boundaries. The Purpose of Punishment and the Role of Rehabilitation Our discussions about the justice system and punishment were also eye-opening. I learned that punishment serves multiple purposes, including protecting society, delivering justice, and encouraging REHABILITATION. Thiroux and Krasemann (2012) explain that punishment is...