Exam 2: Systems of Ethics

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Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, is a moral theory that focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions. Two of the most well-known forms of teleological ethics are utilitarianism and ethical egoism.

Strengths of teleological ethics include its focus on the overall good or happiness that results from an action. This can provide a clear and straightforward way to make moral decisions, as one simply needs to consider the potential outcomes of their actions. Teleological ethics also allows for flexibility in decision-making, as it does not rely on rigid rules or principles. This can be particularly useful in complex or ambiguous situations where following a set of rules may not lead to the best outcome.

However, teleological ethics also faces several criticisms. One of the main criticisms is that it can lead to morally questionable actions if the ends are seen as justifying the means. For example, in utilitarianism, it is possible to justify harming a small group of people if it leads to a greater overall good for the majority. This raises concerns about the potential for the exploitation or mistreatment of individuals in the pursuit of the greater good. Additionally, teleological ethics can be difficult to apply in practice, as it requires predicting and evaluating the potential consequences of actions, which can be uncertain and subjective.

In conclusion, teleological ethics has strengths in its focus on outcomes and flexibility in decision-making, but it also faces criticisms related to the potential for morally questionable actions and the difficulty of predicting and evaluating consequences. As with any ethical theory, it is important to carefully consider both its strengths and weaknesses when applying it to real-world situations.