Question

1. Discuss the difference between deontological ethical theories and consequentialist ethical theories? How would a deontological theorist differ from a consequentialist theorist when considering the moral status of abortion? What would be relevant to each?

Answer 1

There are two main theories in ethics- deontological and consequentialism or consequential theories. Some theories detect the source of ethical properties (rightness or wrongness) with an aim to conform to duty or laws. These theories are classified as deontological ethical theories by ethicists. The deontological theory of ethics focuses on judging the actions and not the outcomes or results. The theory believes that in any given situation, some actions are morally and ethically wrong and not acceptable, even if the act leads to the desired outcome.

On the other hand, some theories focus on judging the moral worth of the results of the actions and their outcome. The ethicist classifies these theories as a consequentialist ethical theory or consequentialism theory. In consequentialism (the end justifies the means) the consequence is more important than the means used to achieve that result, or that an act is right if it leads to an acceptable and desired result.

The consequentialist theory is about comparing the utility of the consequences of an action. It does not define which consequences are morally most important but suggests that the best consequences are those in which human utility is maximized. On the other hand, in deontological theory, the action is judged rather than the outcome of the action.

In considering abortion, the consequentialism would consider the happiness and benefits resulting from permitting vs prohibiting abortion. For example, if prohibiting abortion results in lower levels of related social harm such as a lower percentage of child abuse and neglect, abortion-related maternal deaths, and child poverty, the consequentialist might favor allowing abortion. On the other hand, if allowing abortion resulted in decreased respect for life generally, promoting reckless and irresponsible sexual practices, and measurable suffering, such consequences or outcomes would weigh against the abortion for the consequentialist. In contrast, the deontologist would consider the purpose of the individual seeking an abortion in evaluating its ethical standing. For example, if a person's intentions in seeking an abortion represent a desire to avoid the duty towards one's child or failure to value human life, the deontologist would likely disapprove of abortion. On the other hand, if an individual's motives were to considerations of the potential welfare of the child or oneself, the abortion might well approve by the deontologist.