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Additions to Lecture II

This article discusses the strengths and weaknesses of deontology and consequentialism. It highlights the practical and results-oriented view of consequentialism, while also addressing the challenges of determining all consequences and comparing utility. The strengths of deontology, such as setting clear moral boundaries and allowing for flexibility, are explained, along with its weaknesses of finding convincing moral justifications and being perceived as overly legalistic.

Samuel
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Additions to Lecture II

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  1. Additions to Lecture II Strengths & Weaknesses of Deontology & Consequentialism

  2. Strengths of Consequentialism • Practical, Results-oriented View • Relatively clear how to make ethical judgments • simply reflect on consequences

  3. 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.

  4. 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

  5. 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

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