Virtue ethics, rooted in Aristotle's philosophical teachings, places a central emphasis on the

cultivation of virtuous character traits as the foundation for moral decision-making. The focus is
on developing qualities like courage, honesty, compassion, and wisdom, seen as intrinsic to leading
a morally good life. Virtue ethics rejects strict rule adherence and instead encourages individuals
to embody virtues and find a balanced, virtuous path in behavior. The ultimate aim is the attainment
of eudaimonia, or flourishing, achieved through a life characterized by the continuous
development of virtuous actions.

In contrast, deontological ethics, championed by Immanuel Kant, centers on the concept

of duty and moral obligation. It prescribes a set of universal principles or rules that individuals are
obligated to follow, irrespective of the consequences. The categorical imperative, a key tenet of
deontological ethics, dictates that actions should be judged based on their inherent rightness or
wrongness, with moral obligations taking precedence over personal inclinations. Deontological
ethics is inherently rule-based, emphasizing the importance of universalizability – actions are
deemed morally acceptable if their maxims can be consistently applied as universal laws without
logical contradictions.

The basis for morality further distinguishes these ethical frameworks. Virtue ethics centers
on the development of virtuous character, emphasizing the importance of who one is as a person.
It is less concerned with specific actions or rules and more focused on the qualities that shape an
individual's decision-making. In contrast, deontological ethics grounds its morality in adherence
to universal principles. The emphasis here is on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action,
regardless of the context or consequences.

In virtue ethics, the emphasis lies on the cultivation of virtuous character traits and the
development of context-dependent virtues, shaping individuals' moral compass based on their
character. On the other hand, deontological ethics centers around duty, advocating for adherence
to universal principles and the categorical imperative, providing a rule-based framework for ethical
decision-making that transcends individual contexts.
 Personally, I find the thought and reasoning behind Deontological Ethics more compelling.
Presently, I'm deeply immersed in Stoic Philosophy, which I interpret as the philosophy of staying
true to oneself. In Stoicism, I've learned to prioritize my own thoughts, recognizing their impact
on my emotions, and to distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable scenarios—choosing
to act only on what I can control, which is the self. The Categorical Imperative echoes these Stoic
principles, strengthening my preference for deontological ethics. In discussions, irrespective of the
subject, I coin terms or slang for easy recall. The phrase "go hard regardless" frequently comes to
mind during lectures, embodying the commitment to act dutifully, delivering the best output
regardless of the circumstances, whether it's a day at 100%, 50%, or even 1%.

Regarding the somewhat connection of Stoicism and Deontological ethics, a great example
would be the Stoic emphasis on self-discipline and resilience in the idea of enduring hardship in
tranquil, mirrors the deontological commitment to act according to duty for the self even in the
face of challenges. This shared emphasis on inner strength and moral fortitude strengthens the
connection between Stoicism and Deontological Ethics, creating a connection that emphasizes the
importance of moral duty, resilience, and unwavering commitment to ethical principles.

As a future Mechanical Engineer, I see deontological ethics as my guiding principle in

industry decision-making. Acting in accordance with duty and rationality, my judgment will be
grounded in ethical considerations. I am committed to giving my best on the job not for personal
gain but because it is my duty as an Engineer. This approach ensures a steadfast dedication to
professional responsibilities and contributes to a work environment characterized by ethical
integrity.