Describe the strengths and weaknesses of the time-tested theories of ethics.

Each of these theories has its own advantages and disadvantages. These are some examples.

1. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism focuses on the maximization of overall pleasure or happiness while minimising pain. The utilitarian approach is one of its strongest points, as it provides a way for people to make ethical decisions that are objectively evaluated by looking at the results or outcomes of their decisions. It is hard to know the consequences long term of any decision and difficult to balance the needs of individuals and groups.
2. Deontology Deontology, an ethical theory, focuses on actions rather than the outcomes. Deontologists hold that some actions are right or wrong regardless of the consequences. It is one of the strengths of deontology that it provides a framework of ethical reasoning based upon objective moral standards. A weakness of deontology can be that conflicts may occur between the different moral codes or even between those rules and actual situations.
3. Virtue Ethics is an ethical philosophy that emphasizes the development of virtuous traits such as honesty, courage and compassion. According to virtue ethicists, moral decisions are based upon what a good person would do under a certain situation. The virtue ethicists believe that moral decisions should be based on what a virtuous person would do in any given situation. A weakness of virtue ethic is the difficulty in defining what a good character trait is or applying this theory to situations with no moral consensus.
4. Care Ethics Care ethics is a theory of ethical behavior that focuses on caring relationships among individuals. Care ethicists are of the opinion that moral decisions should take into account not only abstract rules and principles but also on-the-ground needs and interests. The fact that care ethics prioritizes individual needs and interest can be a strength, especially in situations like social work or healthcare. A weakness of care ethic is its difficulty in applying it to situations when the interests and needs of individuals are at odds.

In general, these tried-and-true theories have their own weaknesses and strengths, and they may not be appropriate in certain circumstances or situations. Nuanced ethical decision making may require a flexible, nuanced approach that draws on insights from multiple ethical theories rather than solely relying on one.