Deontological and teleological theories and their usage

Normative concerns are defined using deontological and teleological frameworks. Deontology is derived from the Greek word deon, which means obligation. It expresses an ethical viewpoint based on accountability. A deontological position holds that some moral responsibilities or duties are self-explanatory, have intrinsic value, and do not require further justification. The idea is used to assess moral activities by focusing on righteousness or wrongness rather than goodness or the consequences of a particular action. Robust deontological approaches are described as those that morality is inappropriate to the rightness of an action, while weak deontological theories are those that goodness has specific significance but cannot be described as the one determining moral rightness.


Teleology is derived from Greek word telos that means goals or results. It described an ethical standpoint that indicates that the correctness or wrongness of situation is based is based on the badness or goodness of their findings (Baynes, 2013). When interpreted in a firm teleological manner, decisions are viewed as being ethically neutral without putting into consideration their consequences. Examples of teleological theories are utilitarianism and ethical egoism.


Despite the differences between the two theories, they are however not mutually exclusive. The terms non-consequentialist and consequentialist can be used alternatively (Baynes, 2013). Some approaches that are based on rights and theories of justice are consequentialist when it comes to their concern for results while at the same time appealing the intrinsic rightness of duties that are connected with human justice and rights. The same situation is experienced in the formulation of natural laws and virtue ethics (Broad, 2014). In both, they seek the goals of human fulfillment and happiness but are still related to deontological assumptions about human character and obligations that are derived rationally.


Strengths of both Teleological and Deontological theories


The main advantage of deontology is through the theory; motivation is valued more than consequences since the results of our action are viewed as being beyond our control. The according to the theory, it is correct to argue that an immoral motive cannot be justified by reasonable consequences that have not been seen but a good intention is worth of value (Baynes, 2013). The theory upholds the humanitarian value in which all men are equal and are worthy of protection. The theory also recognizes that the value of moral absolutes does not amend with culture. It also provides the required guidelines for making ethical decisions without requiring the need to wait for a long time for expected results.


The main advantage of the teleological system in decision making is that it is more flexible and can be easily applied in a complicated situation. The theory provides a platform where a situation is analyzed and action that would be favoring the results and motivations behind the results (Baynes, 2013). The method is easy to apply since it considers the complexity of human life and analyzes the decision what will result in most favorable outcomes. Another advantage of the teleological theory is that it is individualistic. It allows a personal scrutiny of a situation which is important like in health situation where one is to decide on donating an organ.


Weaknesses of both Teleological and Deontological theories


Teleological theories however have its weaknesses. One of its main flaws is that the consequences of a decision made using the system are uncertain. Determining the results of a situation as being favorable or not indicate that it can result in adverse effects (Broad, 2014). Another weakness is that it can permit unethical or immoral actions to take place since it is mostly concerned with loving consequences.


Deontology system has its weaknesses since the system is less flexible compared with the teleological system and have strict moral and rules that have to be followed. Another disadvantage of Deontology theory is that it is not individualistic (Vallentyne, 1987). This indicates that when applying such a system in the modern health society cannot consider the decision of a patient or family on the health or life situation of a patient of their concern. Another disadvantage of the system is that it does not consider the consequences of actions taken. An example is allowing an individual to donate an organ that would save the life of another person.


References


Broad, C. D. (2014). Five types of ethical theory (Vol. 2). Routledge.


Baynes, K. (2013). Critical theory. Blackwell Publishing Ltd.


Vallentyne, P. (1987). The teleological/deontological distinction. The Journal of Value Inquiry, 21(1), 21-32.

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