Ethical Systems

Term Paper # 116078

Ethics
Philosophy > Ethics

Ethical Systems

A overview of seven deontological and teleological ethical systems.

769 words () | 2 sources | APA | 2009 United States

Paper Summary:

The paper first looks at the forms of deontological ethics, that include ethical formalism, religion, natural law and the ethics of virtue. The paper then turns to the teleological ethical systems, that include utilitarianism, the ethics of care and the ethics of egoism. The writer
considers himself first and foremost to be a utilitarian since he believes that the best criterion to judge our actions is by how they impact the world around us.

From the Paper:

"All ethical systems can be categorized as one of two types. The first type is the deontological, meaning that right and wrong are thought of as independent categories and that ethical decisions are made without regard to a specific outcome. In the other kind of ethical system, the teleological, there is an ultimate goal towards which the individual or the community is striving. The realization of that ultimate goal is what guides ethical decision-making. Pollock (2003) has identified seven separate ethical systems, each of which can be categorized as either a deontological or a teleological perspective."

Sample of Sources Used:

Johnston, D. (2006). A brief history of philosophy: From Socrates to Derrida. New York: Continuum.
Pollock, J. M. (2003). Ethics in crime and justice: Dilemmas and decisions. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing.