What is the ethical theory that compares claims of a particular case with similar cases?

The correct answer is casuistry, which is an ethical theory that emphasizes the analysis of specific cases and their unique circumstances in comparison to similar situations. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of ethical dilemmas, taking into account the particulars of each case rather than applying broad moral principles uniformly.

Casuistry focuses on drawing parallels between cases and using those comparisons to guide ethical decision-making. This method provides flexibility in reasoning by allowing practitioners to consider the context of each situation and how it relates to prior experiences or similar cases. This is especially relevant in fields like nursing, where individual patient circumstances can significantly affect the application of ethical principles.

Utilitarianism, on the other hand, is centered on assessing the overall good that results from an action, aiming to maximize happiness or benefit. Deontology emphasizes adherence to rules or duties regardless of outcomes, while virtue ethics concentrates on the character and moral integrity of the person making decisions. Each of these theories operates with a different foundational principle, making them less suited for the case-comparison approach that casuistry employs.