Transcript Lecture 2 - Addition

Additions to Lecture II
Strengths & Weaknesses of
Deontology & Consequentialism
Strengths of Consequentialism
 Practical, Results-oriented View
 Relatively clear how to make ethical
judgments
– simply reflect on consequences
Weaknesses of Consequentialism

How can we know all the consequences of an
action?

How can we compare utility from person to person?

Do we include all generations? All species?

Will utilitarianism lead us to ‘repugnant
conclusions’?
–
In theory, any kind of action could be justified if the
consequences of the situation work out just right.
Strengths of Deontology
 Sets clear moral boundaries
– Some things just can’t be done
 Possibility of multiple principles allows
for flexibility
– Only on pluralist versions of deontology
Weaknesses of Deontology
 If we don’t rely on consequences for moral
justification, then can we find a convincing
case for identifying basic moral principles?
– Deontology’s basic approach is not as simple as
consequentialism’s
 Deontology can seem overly ‘legalistic’
– i.e., too focused on rules
– too inflexible