The Teleological Ethical System

The subjectivity of the word best makes it almost impossible to define, therefore in this essay I will address how teleological ethical systems can be considered ‘best’, from a variety of different viewpoints. A teleological ethical system is a consequentialist way of moral decision making, the key principles of a teleological system oppose those of a deontological system, a instead a teleological system does not look at actions as been wrong in themselves, and instead considers the consequences of these actions before deciding whether or not the act is morally permissible or not. Famous ethical theorists such as Jeremy Bentham and Macintyre; who’s well known theories virtue ethics and act utilitarianism, although individually different take

on the key principles of a teleological theory in moral decision making.

The word ‘best’ is entirely subjective; therefore it can be interpreted differently to each individual. On one hand those who consider themselves to take on a complete teleological perspective, may see ‘best’ to mean the actions which produces the best consequences is deemed the both moral. Jeremy Bentham would argue the action that achieves the most pleasure using his ‘greatest happiness principle’, will ultimately lead to the best course of action being taken. When considering Bentham’s principle of utility, he also determines an actions worth by is usefulness. Therefore in order to make the best course of action, it must serve a use and lead to great consequences. This relative approach allows individuals to make there own choice in regards to what they deem to right, instead of following moral absolutes.

Teleological ethical systems can be considered best for this era in time, as of now society has began to reject and break way from the control of absolutes stemming from religion seeking freedom, and choice.

However without rules within society it would fall apart, and lead to absolute chaos. A teleological ethical system gives individuals that seek to move away from deontological approaches to moral deacon making found typically ins scripture; allow the individual to have a ‘controlled’ sense of freedom. Where they have the option to look out the consequences of an action, and in Bentham's act utilitarianism use elements of the hedonic calculus in order to work put the right course of action. It can be argued by giving those this sense of freedom, by not constraining a individual to certain precepts of imperatives the individual is less likely to exploit a teleological theory. Therefore the theory can be considered the best moral system and appropriate for this

century.

This could potentially be one of the best key features of teleological system, as those who find themselves following strict dogma that can be found in deontological theories, may go in the complete opposite direction complete rebelling against society and acting in ways that would be deemed unacceptable in society. This is evident in the Stanford prison experiment where percipients who took on the role of guards in the experiment were given strict ‘absolutes’ to follow and how they should act, which led to the guards displaying sadistic and unacceptable behaviour towards others.

The potential exploitation of a teleological is a key aspect for why people do not consider the ‘best’ moral system, for those who define best in this case to mean that everyone is treated fairly and equally may argue that a teleological system is not a moral system at all. As they may argue that how can a system be deemed moral if it’s willing to put minority groups at risk for the sake of the happiness of the majority.
However others may argue that what is right, is what brings about the most pleasure for the majority even if that means the sacrifice of minorities, because ultimately it is for the greater good. In addition many may not see a problem with the exploitation of others, in order to achieve the most pleasure for themselves or others. This could imply that deontological ethics is best because it provides individuals with a guideline, is what is right or wrong as not everyone is aware.

Teleological ethics can also be considered to be a ethnocentric theory, for those apart of collectivist cultures that values of moral and family absolutes may come first when making a choice, and they may not have the freedom or choice to look at the consequences of an action. Therefore this theory cannot truly be considered best, as its principles suggests that everyone has the freedom to make there own design without the interference or others.

The flexibility of the theory allows people to choose what they consider to be morally wrong, dependent on the situation and circumstances.

For example they may consider lying to be worn, but in the instant of someone asking where there family was with intern to kill them, lying would be seen as morally right in order to save there family. Therefore the flexibility of this theory allows people to not be tied that to a particular set of rules, and allows people to in a sense think for themselves and have ultimate autonomy. Autonomy being a important right may believe everyone should have, in this case this theory could be considered best because it gives people complete autonomy in a sense.

In conclusion a teleological theory can be consider best for a diverse of reasons, due to it flexibility and freedom it gives people allowing them to break away from strict deontology. This theory also appears to be fitting with the period of time, where autonomy and freedom of choice are highly valued. However in my opinion I cannot say that it can be considered the best moral system, we our unable to entirely consequences accurately one of the key bias of this way of

thinking.