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Deontological vs. Teleological Ethical Systems

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Compare and contrast deontological and teleological ethical systems (700-1050 words) using APA format.
Provide examples and descriptions of the seven major ethical systems (attached).
Determine whether you believe each system to be deontological or teleological.
Identify which system most closely matches your own beliefs and explain why.

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Solution Summary

This explains the differences between Deontological and Teleological Ethical Systems with examples

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ETHICAL SYSTEM

ABSTRACT

Ethical system can broadly be classified into deontological and teleological ethical system. Deontological ethics believes that the morality of an act is based in the act itself
( also called Non consequentialist ethics) whereas Teleological ethics believes that the morality of an act is based on the outcome or consequences of the act( Also called consequentialist ethics).Basically there are seven major ethical system first, ethical formalism i.e what is good is that which conforms to the categorical imperative. Second, Utilitarianism implying what is good is that which results in the greatest utility for the greatest number. Third, Religion means what is good is that which conforms to the god's will. Fourth, Ethics of virtue that is, what is good is that which conforms to the golden menu. Fifth, Ethics of care means what is good is that which meets the need of those concerned. Sixth, Egoism means what is good is that which benefits me. Seventh, Natural law means what is good is that benefits me. Accordingly all seven of them can be subcategorised into deontological ethical system and teleological ethical system

ETHICAL SYSTEM
According to the Spinello there are two classes of ethical theories: teleological theories and deontological theories. Teleological ethical theories focus importance on ends or goals. They give priority to what is good over what is right, evaluating actions by the goals they attain or by their maximization of consequences. The teleological approach would take away rights in order to maximize the common good. Conversely, deontological ethical theories emphasize duty and obligation. Deontological ethical theories emphasize duty and obligation. "Deontological" simply means the study (or science) of duty. They give priority to what is right or moral---actions are either right or wrong, regardless of the consequences they produce.
They give priority to what is right or moral---actions are either right or wrong, regardless of the consequences they produce.

Thus when accountant is considering the society and public interest it is following the deontological way. He is giving priority to the duty and obligation.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethics

Duty based ethics
Deontological ethical theories emphasize duty and obligation. "Deontological" simply means the study (or science) of duty. They give priority to what is right or moral---actions are either right or wrong, regardless of the consequences they produce. Thus Deontological system means a strict adherence to rules and so if a holistic approach is taken it means following a deontological system of morality.

Teleological ethical theories focus importance on ends or goals. They give priority to what is good over what is right, evaluating actions by the goals they attain or by their maximization of consequences. The teleological approach would take away rights in order to maximize the common good.
The example can be utilitarianism, Utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, is developed in the early 19th century, utilitarianism is an ethical doctrine which maintains that an action's virtue is based on its ability to bring happiness to the largest number of people.
Whether we think about it or not, most of us are doing utilitarian ethics a much of the time, especially those of us in business. The Utilitarians asks a very important question: "How will my actions affect others?" And they go on to attempt to quantify the impact of their actions based on some least common denominator, such as happiness, pleasure, or wealth. Therefore, Utilitarians are also called consequentalists because they look to the consequences of their actions to determine whether any particular act is right or wrong.

Deontological ethical system believes that the morality of an act is based in the act itself whereas Teleological ethical system believes that the morality of an act is based on the outcome or consequences of the act. In deontological ethical system motivation matters. Some acts are inherently good others are inherently bad and thus the consequences of the act are irrelevant. For example, Charity is a moral act Giving money to a poor person is morally correct If the person buys drug with the money the original act of charity is still moral.

In Teleological ethical system results matter .An act is good or bad depending on the result it brings about. The consequences of act are what is judged. Example; An act of charity might not be moral If drug abuse is an immoral consequence and an act of charity supports drug abuse the act of charity could ...

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