assignment 2 (page 1)

Question

Briefly explain the ethical theories : 

a) Can be divided into two categories depending on what they consider the source of ethical value to be consequentialist or "teleological" 

b) Ethical theories and motivational or "deontological" ethical theories.

 

 

Consequentialism

Ethical theories that locate the source of moral value in desirable states of affairs that result as a direct consequence of an action. In this way, consequentialism emphasizes some principle of the good as its central concept. Though there are various forms of consequentialism, the most popular form is Utilitarianism, which holds that morally valuable actions are those actions that bring about the greatest good for the greatest number of people.A consequentialist moral theory defines normative properties such as rightness, praiseworthiness, and virtuousness, in terms of the promotion of valuable states of affairs. Since normative theories tend to focus on the rightness of actions, a consequentialist theory of right action is the most common form of consequentialism, it says that the right action is that which brings about the best consequences overall.Consequentialism refers to those moral theories that hold that the consequences of a particular action form the basis for any valid moral judgement about that action. Thus, on a consequentialist account, a morally right action is an action which produces good consequences.

How one defines the principle of the good will determine what kind of utilitarian one is. For example, if one defines the good as the maximization of pleasure, then one is a pleasure utilitarian and believes that right actions are those that bring about the greatest amount of pleasure for the greatest amount of people. If one believes that the good consists in the maximization of utility, then one is a strict utilitarian. "Utility," originally an economic term, refers to a unit of resources or means that is required to live one’s individual conception of the good life.

In other explanation Consequentialist ethics holds the view that the correct moral response is related to the outcome, or consequence, of the act. The central aim is the premise of 'maximising the greatest good for the greatest number'. The 'good' referred to can be expressed in a variety of ways and may refer to values or 'utility' such as happiness, being pain or symptom free or another life enhancing outcome.
As an ethical theory consequentialism is attractive as there is always an outcome and the correct moral response is the one which will produce the greatest good for the greatest number.  However, it does have limitations as it can endorse acts which would be contrary to the rights of individuals if the end result is one which would improve care for many others. 

In so far as consequentialism posits the maximization of a favorable resulting state of affairs, i.e., some conception of the principle of the good, as its fundamental normative principle, it is opposed to Deontology. Consequentialist theories of all types have been criticized for placing too much emphasis on the maximization of valuable resulting states of affairs, which can lead to morally counter-intuitive conclusions. Consequentialism is one form of teleological ethics, sometimes inaccurately equated with Teleology

Refference : 

http://www.ascensionhealth.org/index