1.3 Main Approaches to Ethical Thinking

Question 1

Deontological Ethics (rule-based theories of ethics)

Answer 1

An approach to ethics that determines goodness or rightness from examining the acts rather than from the consequences of the acts.

Question 2

Teleological Ethics (consequential)

Answer 2

focus on the outcomes or results of actions. A well-known variation is utilitarianism, which is based on utility or usefulness. The approach looks to the end results and individuals make decisions based on the consequences of the action.

Question 3

Virtue Ethics

Answer 3

emphasizes the character or identity of the individual and focuses upon being rather than doing. Morality is based on the development of good character traits or virtues and assumes that a good person will perform ethically.

Question 4

Limitation of Deontological

Answer 4

Allows individuals to avoid responsibility as they are following rules or orders.

Question 5

Limitation of Teological

Answer 5

Difficult to calculate benefits and harms and apply weights to each.

Question 6

Limitation of Virtue Ethics

Answer 6

Disagreement over what are virtues; that is, how a virtue is defined.