A634.2.4.RB_DellElceCamila

A634.2.4.RB – Theories of Ethics

            Consequentialists claim as cited by LaFollette (2007) “that we are morally obligated to act in ways that produce the best consequences” (p. 366). When making a moral decision, we must choose the best overall consequences in the greatest interest of all parties involved. Deontology states that we should act in ways circumscribed by moral rules or right, and these rules or rights are at least partly independent of consequences. To garner a better understanding of these two theories lets further look at how they are different according to LaFollette (2007);

The consequentialist thinks the rules are derivative. They are defensible only if following them will bring the best consequence. Deontologists claim that out moral obligations--whatever they are—are defined by the rules, partly independently of consequences. Even when following moral rules does not have the best consequences, we should adhere to them. (p. 381).

            “Deontologists contend there are strict moral limits on what we can do to others. Consequentialists do not contend there are strict moral limits of what we can do to others” (LaFollette, 2007, p. 389). Last week we were given a classical ethical dilemma – The Train Dilemma. In this scenario, a train is hurtling down the track where five children are standing. If the switch were thrown, it would put the train on a sidetrack where one child is standing. A consequentialist would look at the best outcome, the death of five children versus the death of one and would pull the switch. For a deontologist, pulling the switch is against the rules therefore all five children will die.

            If humans were unfeeling beings and lacked the ability to think, then deontology would be the theory of choice. Decision-making can be made easily, without thought because they are ground in the rules of what is right and what is wrong. There would be no room for what-if; the decision-making would be equitable and consistent for all. However, we are thinking and feeling human beings. We allow our moral compass to guide us in our decision-making. This also makes our decision making more difficult because we must consider the consequences and the variables surrounding the outcomes. We must also accept the fact that we can and will unintentionally make wrong decisions even though our moral reasoning is correct. Taking into consideration both theories, I would throw the switch.

References

LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.