Final answer:
Among the ethical views discussed, utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and relativism each have distinctive focuses. Utilitarianism and deontology are critiqued for oversimplification, while virtue ethics centers on character. Real-world ethics often require pluralism for nuanced decisions. Option a is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the ethical views discussed, such as utilitarianism, deontology, virtue ethics, and relativism, many find themselves connected to different theories for various reasons. Sir William David Ross critiqued both utilitarianism and deontology for their tendencies to oversimplify morality. Utilitarianism, conceived by thinkers like Bentham and Mill, is based on the consequence of actions, aiming for the greatest good or happiness. Deontology, conceptualized by philosophers like Kant, emphasizes duties or rules, suggesting actions are right if they adhere to moral laws.
Virtue ethics differs by focusing on character and the virtues one develops, implying that moral actions arise from a person's character traits. Normative Ethical Relativism points out that morality can vary significantly between cultures and posits that within a cultural context, the predominant moral standpoint is inherently correct, which challenges the universality suggested by utilitarianism and deontology.
Ultimately, the complexity of real-world ethical dilemmas often requires more nuanced approaches, like pluralism or a combination of ethical theories, to make better moral judgments in varied and competing circumstances.