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