A634.2.4.RB_LarsonKurt, Theories of Ethics

In chapter 2, Lafollette (2007) discusses Consequentialism and Deontology. Discuss your thoughts on these two theories.

To begin much like my chosen profession with the U.S. Government, it is always prudent to clarify and offer concise definitions regarding a topic.

Consequentialism - the doctrine that the morality of an action is to be judged solely by its consequences (the new oxford American dictionary).

Deontology - the study of the nature of duty and obligation (the new oxford American dictionary).

Based upon my reading in LaFollette about Consequentialism and Deontology, I find that I can be characterized as a Consequentialist. I can say this based upon a close look at Consequentialism and its attributes that give reason in areas like: Which consequences should be counted, how much weight and consideration should be paid to those consequences that do count, or how these considerations should be used when deliberating.

I also find that Consequentialism is an attribute that can be tied to the art of critical thinking and its three parts, which are briefly described as:

1.    Critical thinking involves asking questions.

2.    Critical thinking involves attempting to answer those questions by reasoning them out.

3.    Critical thinking involves believing the results of our reasoning (Nosich, 2012).

Deontology on the other hand according to LaFollette, has two marks in its favor over Consequentialism. It is discusses the way that most of us acquired and developed our moral beliefs, and its main competitor (Consequentialism) is subjected to some rather serious criticism because Consequentialists believe that hard rules (laws or society) are not applicable when it comes to morality.

Deontologists claim that moral rules will enjoin others and promote the happiness of others… sort of a utopian train of thought if you will. Deontology does in-fact does face its own problems. They believe that although consequences do not account for everything… they do account for morally something. That said, Deontologists should either give consequences appropriate and equal weight, or, provide contrary opinions.

To sum up the differences between Consequentialism and Deontology would be in my opinion like summing the differences between Republican and Democrat, or Conservative and liberal. I also gathered that although not specifically pointed out in the chapter, Consequentialism and Deontology could be somewhat geographically influenced as well as gender and age bracket.

References

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

Nosich, G. M. (2012). What is critical thinking. In J. McPherson (Ed.), Learing to think things through (4 ed., pp. 2-46). doi:www.pearsonhigher.com