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Chapter 12

Deontological and teleological

2.1 Deontological and teleological

Deontological Teleological

 what is correct in any given  what is correct in any given
situation will depend on the situation will depend on the
conditions at the time non- conditions at the time
consequentialist theory consequentialist theory

 what is correct in any given  what is correct in any given
situation will depend on the situation will depend on the
conditions at the time motivation conditions at the time decision is
or principle is important right/wrong depends on the
consequences or outcomes of that
decision

 what is correct in any given  what is correct in any given
situation will depend on the situation will depend on the
conditions at the time action conditions at the time as long as
deemed right/wrong when the the outcome is right then the action
morals for taking the action are itself is irrelevant
known

2.2 Key maxims for deontological approach

There are three key maxims, or tests, for any action: an action is morally ‘right’ if it
satisfies all three.

 Consistency: Act only according to that maxim by which you can, at the same
time, desire that it should become a universal law. The action can only be right
it everyone can follow the same underlying principle.

 Human dignity: Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in
that of another, always as an end and never as a means only.

 Universality: Act only so that through its maxims could regard itself at the same
time as universally lawgiving. Would an action be viewed by others as moral or
suitable?

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