Deontological versus Teleological Theories
Understanding Deontological Theories
Deontological theories
Deontological theories focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, independent of their consequences.
- Duty and Rules: Actions are morally right if they align with specific duties or rules.
- Intrinsic Morality: The morality of an action is determined by its nature, not its outcomes.
Kantian Ethics
Categorical Imperative
A universal moral law that applies to all rational beings.
Key Formulations:
- Universalizability: Act only according to maxims that can be universalized.
- Humanity as an End: Treat people as ends in themselves, never as means.
Lying is always wrong in Kantian ethics, even if it could prevent harm, because it cannot be universalized without contradiction.
Divine Command Theory
- Moral Authority: Actions are right if they align with divine commands.
- Dependency on God: Morality is grounded in the will of a divine being.
Divine command theory faces challenges like the Euthyphro dilemma, which questions whether actions are good because God commands them or if God commands them because they are good.
Modern Deontologists: Frances Kamm
- Principle of Permissible Harm: Distinguishes between causing harm as a means to an end and as a side effect.
- Moral Intuitions: Emphasizes the role of intuitions in ethical decision-making.
Deontological theories often emphasize intentions and principles over outcomes, providing a strong foundation for rights-based ethics.
Exploring Teleological Theories
Teleological theories
Teleological theories assess the morality of actions based on their consequences or goals.
- Outcome-Oriented: Actions are right if they lead to desirable outcomes.
- Maximizing Good: The focus is on achieving the greatest overall good.
Utilitarianism
- Act Utilitarianism: Evaluates each action based on its specific consequences.
- Rule Utilitarianism: Focuses on rules that, if followed, lead to the greatest good.
An act utilitarian might justify lying to save a life, while a rule utilitarian would consider whether a rule permitting lying leads to better overall outcomes.
Mohist/State Consequentialism
- Ancient Chinese Philosophy: Emphasizes collective welfare and social harmony.
- State Consequentialism: Actions are right if they promote the stability and prosperity of the state.
Teleological theories are often criticized for potentially justifying harmful actions if they lead to positive outcomes.
Key Differences Between Deontological and Teleological Theories
| Deontological ethics | Teleological ethics | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Intrinsic nature of actions | Consequences of actions |
| Moral justification | Based on duties, rules, or principles | Based on outcomes or goals |
| Flexibility | Rigid adherence to rules | Flexible, context-dependent decision-making |
When comparing these theories, consider how each addresses moral dilemmas, such as whether it is ever permissible to break a rule for a greater good.
Philosophical Significance
- Ethical Diversity: These theories represent two fundamental approaches to ethics, highlighting the complexity of moral reasoning.
- Practical Implications: Understanding these frameworks aids in navigating real-world ethical dilemmas, from personal decisions to policy-making.
- Identify a moral dilemma and analyze it from both deontological and teleological perspectives.
- Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each approach in addressing the dilemma.
