Teleological ethics and deontological ethics are two major ethical theories that attempt to answer the question of how we ought to act. While both theories are concerned with the moral rightness or wrongness of actions, they approach the question from different perspectives.
Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, focuses on the consequences of an action in determining its moral value. According to teleological ethics, the moral value of an action is determined by its outcome or consequence. If the consequences of an action are good, then the action is morally right. If the consequences are bad, then the action is morally wrong.
One example of a teleological ethical theory is utilitarianism, which holds that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism because it judges actions based on their consequences.
Deontological ethics, on the other hand, focuses on the inherent moral value of an action, independent of its consequences. Deontological ethics is based on the idea that certain actions are morally right or wrong in themselves, regardless of their consequences.
One example of a deontological ethical theory is Kantian ethics, which is based on the moral philosophy of Immanuel Kant. According to Kant, the moral value of an action is determined by whether it is in accordance with the moral law or moral duty. Kant believed that there are certain moral duties or moral rules that we should follow regardless of the consequences of our actions.
In summary, teleological ethics focuses on the consequences of an action in determining its moral value, while deontological ethics focuses on the inherent moral value of an action, independent of its consequences. Both theories offer valuable insights into the question of how we ought to act, and they can be used to guide ethical decision-making in different situations.
