Ethical Theory
Ethical theory refers to a group of philosophical approaches that provide
frameworks for determining what is morally right or wrong and guiding decisions
about how individuals ought to act. Ethical theories help professionals evaluate
competing values, rights and responsibilities when faced with complex situations
where there is no clear or straightforward solution. Within social work, ethical
theory is particularly important because practitioners frequently encounter
dilemmas involving autonomy, confidentiality, safeguarding, justice and
competing rights. Ethical theories provide structured approaches to decision
making while promoting accountability, critical reflection and professional
integrity (Banks, 2021).
The study of ethics dates back to Ancient Greece, where philosophers such as
Aristotle examined the nature of moral behaviour and the characteristics
required to live a good life. Over time, several major ethical theories emerged,
each offering different principles for determining morally appropriate actions.
Although these theories differ in their emphasis, they continue to influence
contemporary professional practice, law and public policy.
One of the most influential approaches is deontological ethics, developed by
Immanuel Kant during the eighteenth century. Deontology argues that actions
should be judged according to moral duties and universal principles rather than
their consequences. Kant believed that individuals should always be treated as
ends in themselves and never merely as a means to achieve another goal. This
perspective places strong emphasis on respecting human dignity, rights and
moral obligations, even when following these principles may lead to difficult
outcomes (Kant, 1785/1997).
In contrast, utilitarianism, developed by Jeremy Bentham and later expanded by
John Stuart Mill, argues that the morality of an action depends on its
consequences. According to utilitarian ethics, the most ethical decision is the one
that produces the greatest overall benefit or happiness for the greatest number
of people. This approach is often used when balancing competing interests or
allocating limited resources, although it has been criticised because the rights of
individuals may be overridden if doing so benefits the majority (Mill, 1863/2001).
A third major perspective is virtue ethics, originating with Aristotle. Rather than
focusing primarily on duties or consequences, virtue ethics emphasises the
Ethical theory refers to a group of philosophical approaches that provide
frameworks for determining what is morally right or wrong and guiding decisions
about how individuals ought to act. Ethical theories help professionals evaluate
competing values, rights and responsibilities when faced with complex situations
where there is no clear or straightforward solution. Within social work, ethical
theory is particularly important because practitioners frequently encounter
dilemmas involving autonomy, confidentiality, safeguarding, justice and
competing rights. Ethical theories provide structured approaches to decision
making while promoting accountability, critical reflection and professional
integrity (Banks, 2021).
The study of ethics dates back to Ancient Greece, where philosophers such as
Aristotle examined the nature of moral behaviour and the characteristics
required to live a good life. Over time, several major ethical theories emerged,
each offering different principles for determining morally appropriate actions.
Although these theories differ in their emphasis, they continue to influence
contemporary professional practice, law and public policy.
One of the most influential approaches is deontological ethics, developed by
Immanuel Kant during the eighteenth century. Deontology argues that actions
should be judged according to moral duties and universal principles rather than
their consequences. Kant believed that individuals should always be treated as
ends in themselves and never merely as a means to achieve another goal. This
perspective places strong emphasis on respecting human dignity, rights and
moral obligations, even when following these principles may lead to difficult
outcomes (Kant, 1785/1997).
In contrast, utilitarianism, developed by Jeremy Bentham and later expanded by
John Stuart Mill, argues that the morality of an action depends on its
consequences. According to utilitarian ethics, the most ethical decision is the one
that produces the greatest overall benefit or happiness for the greatest number
of people. This approach is often used when balancing competing interests or
allocating limited resources, although it has been criticised because the rights of
individuals may be overridden if doing so benefits the majority (Mill, 1863/2001).
A third major perspective is virtue ethics, originating with Aristotle. Rather than
focusing primarily on duties or consequences, virtue ethics emphasises the
