Ethical Theories & Approaches

Moral reasoning deals with determining

righteous of the acts. Moral theories deals
with two components.
• Theory of Good
• Theory of Right
 Moral Theories
• Consequentialist or teleological Theory
• Non Consequentialist or non teleological
Theory
• Deontological Theory
 Consequentialism Meaning
• It is theory of ethics ( teleological theory) that
defines right/ wrong of an action by good/bad of
its results.
• Other way end result of our actions should be
good.
• End should justify means
• Right actions are those that have good effect on
our health, reputation, economic & social well
being, environment etc.& also on well being of
others.
 Features of Teleological theories
• Gives priority what is good over what is
right. Good is the purpose/goal of human
actions
• All actions that contribute to Good are
moral actions
• Results or consequences determine the
rightness or wrongness of moral actions.
 Forms of Consequentialism
There are 2 forms of Consequentialism
1. Theory of Ethical Egoism
2. Utilitarianism
Bentham’s approach to Utilitarianism
Mill’s approach to Utilitarianism
 Deontological Theories
There are two approaches.
1. Act Deontology
2. Rule Deontology
Difference between Deontology &
Teleology Theory