A comparison and contrast of consequentialist and deontological normative ethical theories.
Comparison Essay # 118709 |
1,265 words (
approx. 5.1 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2010
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Abstract
This paper discusses the philosophy of ethics. It discusses the difference between moral philosophy and ethics and the origins of their meanings. The paper briefly compares deontological ethics and consequential ethics- it considers the nature of these theories separately and then contrasts them. Finally, the paper acknowledges that the consequential ethical theory has many flaws, but argues that such flaws should not overcome the positive aspects of the Consequentialist theory.
From the Paper
"The opposition between Deontological and Consequential ethic theories rests upon the values that they ascribe to different portions of the act. While Deontological theories rely upon the motivations behind the act, and belittle the consequences of the act, Consequential ethics gives value only to the end results of the action. The latter theory has obvious importance in an age where the consequences of actions are the most easily noted by the media; here consequences are definitely given weight over means. At the time of writing, in England controversy surrounds the shooting dead of an innocent man by law enforcement officers: they believed they were doing so in order to prevent a terrorist act. The Deontological theorist might suggest that they were morally wrong for sacrificing the right of one for the benefit of many; but no-one is currently insisting that their motives were wrong."
Tags:morality, society, conduct, behavior, belief, codes, duty
An examination of the roles of free will in a deontological moral theory and a utilitarian moral theory.
Essay # 138923 |
2,000 words (
approx. 8 pages ) |
2 sources |
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This paper examines the roles of free will in a deontological moral theory and a utilitarian moral theory - specifically, those of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill.
From the Paper
"The idea of free will occupies many different areas in moral philosophy, ranging from being of no consequence to being central to the theory. This paper will consider positions from each side of this duality, examining the roles of free will in a deontological moral theory and a utilitarian moral theory - specifically, those of Immanuel Kant and John Stuart Mill. It should be noted that the doctrine of free will is central to Kant's deontology, and almost completely absent from Mill's utilitarianism. With this in mind, this paper will first give a brief explanation of each theory, and then go on to examine how the theories would deal with..."
Tags:kant, deontology, utilitarianism
A review and comparison of the consequentialist and deontological approaches to ethics.
Comparison Essay # 145904 |
1,221 words (
approx. 4.9 pages ) |
1 source |
APA | 2010
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$ 25.95
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Abstract
The paper explains how the consequentialist ethical approach determines the relative morality of human conduct strictly in relation to the consequences of that conduct, while the deontological approach is based on adherence to rules as the highest moral conduct. The paper explains how consequentalism is applied in practical situations and considers the deontological criticism of consequentialism. The paper then focuses on the insufficiency of the deontological approach by highlighting the deontological obligation to provide truthful information to a murderer on the location of his victim. The paper contends that consequentialism is more useful in that lying and violating other established general rules is ethically justified only in circumstances that meet objective criteria characterizing the consequences.
Outline:
Consequentialist Ethical Principles
Consequentialism in Practice
Criticism of Consequentialism
Consequentialist Response
Resolution
From the Paper
"The consequentialist ethical approach determines the relative morality or immorality of human conduct strictly in relation to the consequences of that conduct. Like other philosophical systems, consequentialism incorporates variations in the specific definitions and distinctions or classes of consequences that matter the most: utilitarianism emphasizes consequences that benefit the greatest number, even at the expense of some; hedonism emphasizes the maximization of pleasure; and aestheticism emphasizes beauty. Consequentialism is contrary to other ethical systems that determine the relative morality or immorality of human conduct strictly on principle and without regard for different types of effects of conduct, such as in relation to their underlying motive (virtue ethics), or their adherence to established social rules or laws (Kantian Deontology)."
Tags:morals, consequences, rules, principles, motives, results
A discussion on the deontological perspective towards euthanasia.
Persuasive Essay # 128948 |
1,321 words (
approx. 5.3 pages ) |
5 sources |
MLA | 2010
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$ 26.95
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The paper looks at the issue of euthanasia from the deontological standpoint, and evaluates whether euthanasia can be considered rational, or ethically acceptable. The paper defines the issue of euthanasia and explores the five criteria which determine whether or not the decision of committing suicide can be made in a "rational way." The paper explains the beliefs of deontologists and argues that many of those who turn to voluntary euthanasia actually abide by the moral precepts behind deontology. The writer also disagrees with the slippery slope argument and contends that there has been no evidence of such predictions.
From the Paper
"The topic of euthanasia cannot be discussed outside of a philosophical framework. In this sense, it is important to note here that not even the legalistic approach to the matter excludes the philosophical arguments which arise. From the philosophical standpoint, euthanasia has deep moral implications which resemble those associated with suicide. Nonetheless, euthanasia also raises questions about moral authority, and whether or not it grants a certain individual the right to decide over someone else's life. Aside from the ethical aspect, there is also the rational one. Since euthanasia is a voluntary act which implies the consent of both parties involved, it becomes rather self-evident that euthanasia can be regarded as "assisted suicide." In addition, similarly to suicide, which can become a rational act if it meets five criteria, euthanasia can also be considered a rational decision in certain cases."
Tags:physician-assisted, suicide, rationality, ethics
This paper explores utilitarianism, deontology and lawyers' ethical duties.
Term Paper # 101438 |
766 words (
approx. 3.1 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2008
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$ 16.95
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The paper discusses utilitarianism, an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good. The paper then looks at deontological ethics that believes a person has certain duties which he should carry out. The paper looks at Immanuel Kant's deontological beliefs of moral duties and discusses how duty requires a defense lawyer to zealously represent the defendant even if he/she knows that a client is guilty and believes that if the client is not imprisoned, he/she will commit more crimes. The paper further explains that an attorney is required to not take a case in which he cannot give zealous representation.
From the Paper
"Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy which holds that the right course of action is the course of action which provides the greatest good or the greatest number. As articulated by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, this ethic holds that the two controlling emotions in life are pleasure and pain. Man prefers pleasure. Thus, for the isolated individual, an action producing pleasure is good; an action producing pain is bad. For a person in society, an action is good if the pleasure felt by all those affected is greater than the pain felt by those affected. (Hollinger 2002, pp. 32-33; Bentham, 1949; Mill, 1979)"
Tags:pleasure, pain, benefit, Kant, duties, categorical, imperative, attorneys
An analysis of Immanuel Kant's deontology theory and its application to the death penalty.
Analytical Essay # 133233 |
1,250 words (
approx. 5 pages ) |
4 sources |
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This paper commences with an overview of the theory, paying careful attention to Kant's idea of categorical imperative, and then moves into a discussion of deontology's relevance to the death penalty. The paper concludes that the said theory coincides well with the practice of capital punishment.
From the Paper
"Although several philosophers have tackled the theory of deontology, it is the name of Immanuel Kant that is most closely associated with it. Like other philosophers of monumental stature, Kant attempted to arrive at a systematic and comprehensive understanding of human knowledge, and his deontology theory did precisely that. It is the purpose of this essay, then, to probe his theory and attempt to apply it to that most controversial and emotionally charged topic: the death penalty. This paper will commence with an overview of Kant's theory and will then argue that..."
Tags:kant, deontology, punishment
A look at the philosophy of deontology.
Analytical Essay # 149444 |
881 words (
approx. 3.5 pages ) |
7 sources |
APA | 2011
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$ 18.95
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This paper examines an outlook known as deontology and considers its relevancy today. According to the paper, deontology regards those choices that are morally required, forbidden, or permitted. It guides and assesses choices of what people ought to do in contrast to those that guide and assess what people should be. Additionally, the paper contrasts deontology with it's antithesis, consequentialism. Various scholars and their philosophical works on understanding deontology are cited. The paper concludes with a look at how deontology applies it the business world. It notes that from a moral standpoint, businesses should be vested in deontology to ensure that good and right are done.
From the Paper
"Deontologists are contrasted consequentialists, who believe that choices are to be assessed morally only by what they actually cause. Whatever brings about "the good" it is morally right. In contrast, deontologists believe that some choices cannot be justified by their effects. Regardless of how morally good their consequences, some choices are morally forbidden (Stanford, 2009). "...what makes a choice right is its conformity with a moral norm." Thus, "right" has priority over "good." In Kant's (1965) view, deontological ethics is a major aspect of each of the branches--agent-centered, patient-centered and the contractualist. The age-centered deontologist the only thing unqualifiedly good is a good will. The patient-centered deontologist cites' the taboo against using others as mere means to one's end. The contractualist can cite Kant's insistence that maxims on which one acts be capable of being willed as a universal law -- willed by all rational agents. In 1930, Broad defined "deontology" in his book Five Types of Ethical Theory. Deontology is a "duty" or "obligation" based on ethics, since ethical rules bind a
person to his/her duty. In 2001, Nilles brought professional deontology into the service industry to decrease the risks noted by clients and workers. They limit people limits not to cross when doing their jobs. "
Tags:contractualist, capitalism, ethical codes, consequentialists
A comparison of the approaches of deontological ethics, utilitarian ethics and virtue ethics.
Comparison Essay # 127541 |
500 words (
approx. 2 pages ) |
3 sources |
APA | 2008
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$ 10.95
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Abstract
The paper considers deontological ethics, utilitarian ethics and virtue ethics, including the major thinkers of each and how each approach is applied in the workplace.
From the Paper
"The phrase the means justifies the ends is a direct reference to utilitarianism ethics. In this approach to ethics which was developed largely by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, actions are judged within the ethical framework of what action results in the greatest good to the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism is used in the business and economic realms to determine and compare the possible outcomes of alternative courses of action. Utilitarianism can..."
Tags:ethics, deontological ethics, utilitarian ethics, virtue ethics
A comparison of deontological vs. teleological ethical systems.
Comparison Essay # 125756 |
1,000 words (
approx. 4 pages ) |
10 sources |
APA | 2008
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$ 21.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses major ethical systems and whether they are deontological and teleological in nature and which is the best in terms of the criminal justice system.
From the Paper
"Generally as described by Schick and Vaughn, teleological or consequentialist ethical theories judge the rightness or wrongness of an action in terms of its consequences. Conversely, formalist or deontological ethical theories judge the rightness or wrongness of an action in terms of its form. This analysis will examine the seven major ethical systems employed in the criminal justice system, identifying them as either deontological or teleological. It will conclude with a personal statement of this writer's preferred ethical..."
Tags:deontological, teleological, ethics
A review of the deontological, utilitarian, and virtue-based ethical perspectives towards abortion.
Analytical Essay # 148361 |
1,464 words (
approx. 5.9 pages ) |
4 sources |
MLA | 2011
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$ 29.95
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Abstract
The paper outlines the principles of deontological, utilitarian and virtue ethics. The paper discusses why some aspect of utilitarian
ethics are appropriate, but also shows why deontological ethics may be unreliable in some respects. The paper then explains why virtue ethical considerations are least helpful.
Outline:
Introduction and Thesis
Deontological Abortion Considerations
Utilitarian Abortion Considerations
Virtue-Based Abortion Decisions
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Therefore, the contemporary utilitarian approach to morality in human life is to consider other definitions of "goodness" and "benefit" rather than equating morality with the interests of the greatest number. In many respects, that is the perspective exemplified by the modern American justice system (Dershowitz, 2002 p112). Under that view, the moral rightness or wrongness of elective abortion would seek to weigh the manner in which permitting abortions might benefit society and how that decision would affect all of the individuals directly involved in specific situations."
Tags:Kant, Mill, Russell, mother, fetus