Question

Consider two types of consequentialist moral reasoning: utilitarianism and moral egoism. Consider also two types of non-consequentialist moral reasoning: virtue ethics and deontology.

• Which of these systems, if any, do you find most reasonable?
• Why?

Answer 1

Consequentialist Moral reasoning

Consequentialism is the Ethical study of morals, duties and rights with an approach that focuses consequences of a particular action.

Utilitarianism and moral egoism are the two Consequentialist Moral reasoning.

Utilitarianism : It is a system of ethics based on the premise that something's value is measured by its usefulness.

Moral egoism: Egoism refers to the self -ism or selfishness, that individual behave in their own selfish way. Moral egoism also known as ethical egoism. It is the belief that the moral behaviour should be directed towards one's self interest only . Individual should act in his own desires and best interests.  

For example: An alcoholic act on his desire to drink ; Alcoholism cause many health problems that are not in one's best interests.

Non- Consequencialist moral reasoning:

Non - Consequentialist Moral reasoning is judging the value or moral of something , not based on its consequences, but based on its actions . Deontology and virtue ethics are two non - Consequentialist Moral reasoning.

Deontology : Normative ethical position that judges the morality of action based on the action's adherence to rules or obligations rather than either the inherent goodness or the consequences of those actions.

Virtue ethics: It is a moral theory, It emphasise on the development of virtuous character. It refers to the conformity of behaviour or thought with the strictures of morality.

Most reasonable system: In (my) Opinion, Non Consequentialist moral reasoning is most reasonable thinking system. Both Deontology and virtue ethics are not judging the things or activity based on the consequences, but on the conformity of the rules and regulations .

Utilitarianism is nof following the ethics every time as it just focus on the results . The result is justifying the ways and methods and it doesn't consider the right or wrong of actions performed. But Deontology always make sure that the method is correct or an action conform with rules and it is selecting only ethical ways to achieve an outcome. When you are conforming to rules and regulations, surely your result also will be good.  

For example: A nurse, who follows the rules and ' Rights' of medication  administration correctly , never fail in the procedure.  

Deontology as well as virtue ethics are morally in high standard, when comparing to Consequentialist moral reasoning; Utilitarianism and moral egoism.