June 2010 Edition
Computer Science Department, University of Cape Town
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The modern ethical theories Deontology and Teleology are considered.
According to a deontological framework, actions are essentially right or wrong regardless of the consequences they produce. An ethical action might be deduced from a duty (pluralism) or a basic human right (contractarianism) but it never depends on its projected outcome.
According to WD Ross in (Kallman and Grillo, 1996) there are seven basic moral duties that are binding on moral agents:
One ought to keep promises (fidelity)
One ought to right the wrongs that one has inflicted on others (reparation)
One ought to distribute goods justly (justice)
One ought to improve the lot of others with respect to virtue, intelligence, and happiness (beneficence)
One ought to improve oneself with respect to virtue and intelligence (self-improvement)
One ought to exhibit gratitude when appropriate (gratitude)
One ought to avoid injury to others (non- injury)
Teleological theories give priority to the good over the right, and they evaluate actions by the goal or consequences that they achieve. Thus, correct actions are those that produce the most good or optimise the consequences of choices, whereas wrong actions are those that do not contribute to the good. Three examples of the Teleological approach to ethics are Egoism, Utilitarianism and Altruism.
Egoism focuses on self-interest. This ethical principle is used as justification when something is done to further an individual's own welfare. Asking the following question can best sum up the principle: 'Does the action benefit me, as an individual, in any way?'
The principle of Utilitarianism embodies the notion of operating in the public interest rather than for personal benefit. The principle extracted from this theory determines an action to be right if it maximises benefits over costs for all involved, everyone counting equal.
'Is invoked when a decision results in benefit for others, even at a cost to some'.
The principle extracted from this theory determines an action to be right if it maximises the benefits of some, even at the cost to others involved. In addition, the normative principles of Nonmaleficence, Autonomy and Informed Consent are also considered. On account of their simplicity and concreteness, Spinello sees these principles as serving 'A more practical and direct way of coming to terms with a moral dilemma'.