utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics of marriage

I'll be glad to critique your answers.

he Dred Scott decision (Points : 1)

banned slavery from the states that seceded.
returned a slave to his master.
freed a slave from his master.
overturned the Kansas-Nebraska Act.

Utilitarianism, deontology, and virtue ethics are ethical theories/frameworks that can be used to analyze and evaluate various moral issues, including marriage. Let's explore how each of these ethical theories views marriage:

1. Utilitarianism:
Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing overall happiness and minimizing overall suffering for the greatest number of people. From a utilitarian perspective, the morality of marriage depends on its consequences. If allowing same-sex marriage leads to greater happiness and well-being for individuals and society as a whole, then it would be morally justified. Utilitarians might argue that legalizing marriage promotes equality, reduces discrimination and stigma, and enhances the happiness of same-sex couples and their families.

To apply utilitarianism to analyze whether marriage is morally right, you would need to assess the positive and negative consequences it generates. This might involve considering empirical evidence, conducting surveys, or analyzing studies on the impact of legalizing marriage on well-being and social cohesion.

2. Deontology:
Deontology emphasizes the moral principles and duties that guide our actions. According to deontological ethical theories, what matters are certain rights, duties, and obligations, regardless of the consequences. From a deontological perspective, the morality of marriage would be based on whether it aligns with a moral principle, such as respect for individual autonomy, equal treatment, or human rights.

To apply deontology to the question of marriage, one would need to identify the underlying moral principles and evaluate whether they support or oppose homosexual relationships and marriage. For example, deontologists might argue that if we uphold the principles of equal rights and the autonomy of individuals to choose their partners, then marriage should be permitted as a matter of justice and respect for human dignity.

3. Virtue Ethics:
Virtue ethics focuses on the character traits or virtues that lead to moral excellence and flourishing. It asks, "What kind of person should I be?" From a virtue ethics perspective, the morality of marriage depends on whether it contributes to the development of virtues and promotes human flourishing.

To analyze marriage through a virtue ethics lens, one can consider which virtues are relevant to this issue. For example, virtues like love, acceptance, fairness, empathy, and community could be relevant. Advocates of marriage from a virtue ethics perspective might argue that accepting and supporting same-sex marriage is consistent with virtues like love, acceptance, and fairness.

It's important to note that different people may interpret these ethical theories differently and reach contrasting conclusions regarding marriage. Ethical debates often involve a combination of these theories and various other moral considerations, such as social, cultural, religious, and legal perspectives.