Which of the finalist theories appeals to you the most? Explain why.

Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics finalist theory appeals to me the most because of the following reasons:

a. Its central concept focuses on "virtue", for without virtue it becomes difficult to determine what is right or wrong.

b. The strength of Aristotle's ideas is grounded on very real situations, covering actual activities and pursuits of men.

c. In John Stuart Mill's Utilitarianism, happiness is the very yardstick of morality. Those actions that bring happiness are considered morally right while those actions that inhibit happiness are considered morally wrong. Aristotle's account of happiness is quite different from this usual conception of happiness. Happiness, as man's end, should be understood in relation with man's life that utilizes that which is unique to him, i.e. reason. The life of reason is the happiest.

d. In Immanuel Kant's Categorical Imperatives, an act is good not because of certain consequences that occur in its performance or on the basis of its end-result but because of the 'willing' that accompanies the act. In Aristotle, it is not enough that human beings have the 'willing' to act but they should also know, i.e. intellectual virtue that consists of wisdom, intelligence and understanding. Every excellent decision presupposes an excellent reason. There are reasons why a particular act was selected and can be based on certain intellectual virtues like wisdom, intelligence and understanding.

e. In this theory, Aristotle did more than just laying down the general principles for the attainment of happiness. Relevant controversies were addressed and he gave detailed accounts of specific virtues and how this will attain complete happiness.

Which do you think seems to predominate in the world of computing as you know it? Explain why.

I think the most predominant theory in the world of computing is Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics.

In Kant's Philosophy, everything in nature works according to laws. With the use of reason or rationality, human beings are able to discern and decide whether to obey certain sets of laws. In my opinion, it is more than laws that one should follow and not all are embodied in these laws. In Aristotle, since computing is a human action, it follows that the norms or standards of morality apply to it. Righteousness, fairness, goodness and justice are moral ideals that can be used in the evaluation of computing as a human action. It is far more than the will and duty. There are issues in computing that computer users from time to time go beyond the confines of integrity and goodness but still can be subject to evaluation through certain norms of ethical value. In Aristotle, one can follow the dictates of ethical norms in computing and seek good life or happiness that is not predicated on material or tangible things.