Exploring The Ethical Theories

Consequentialism is an ethical theory based on whether or not a decision made or an act carried out is deemed right or wrong based on the outcome has a positive end result. Utilitarianism and Hedonism are types of consequentialism. Utilitarianism is what is the best for the greater good, for instance, what if a particular act is more beneficial for the masses rather than to just benefit one individual.

Types of Utilitarianism

There are two types of Utilitarianism, Act and Rule Utilitarianism. Act Utilitarianism involves each individual act to be carefully examined. For example if a decision is to be made the consequences have to be evaluated and the chosen option is of maximal benefit. However, Rule Utilitarianism evaluates the consequences adopting a certain set of rules, such as ‘Do not kill’ or ‘Do not lie’. Whether an act is right or wrong are generally based on these rules (Fletcher et al., 1995. Cited in, Hendrick).

The Concept of Hedonism

Hedonism is one’s own pursuit to seek pleasure and to avoid pain. Bentham and Mill are described as hedonistic utilitarians because they had defined utility in terms of pleasure and happiness. Mill and Bentham’s ideas were widely respected due to the idea that they reduced moral judgements and suffering, whilst increasing happiness. (Judith Hendrick, 2000).

Justifying Actions through Outcomes

If the outcome of an act is a positive one in the long-term, but if the route taken to get to the positive outcome has had to endure some forms of dissatisfaction or emotional unrest then it can be seen as being justifiable, because the end result is positive. However, if the outcome was that of a negative one, the act would not be justifiable (Graham Rumbold, 1999). For example, if a person, who is a mother, father or a loved family member, is in receipt of a very invasive treatment, such as chemotherapy which is used to treat cancer. During treatment it would cause dissatisfaction and emotional turmoil, yet the end result would or could be ones wellness and overall happiness, as the patient would or could be cured. This would also be for the greater good for the said patient’s family members, as well as the patient. There are other scenarios too to help the understanding of consequentialism on a much larger scale. If a deceased person’s organs were to be donated, that one person could have suffered at some point before their death, yet many people would have gained life from the death because their organs have enabled others to sustain life. This scenario can go further too. Consequentialism would look at who would benefit from the donated organs the most and what would have the greatest outcome, although consequentialism does not have a guaranteed outcome.

Understanding Deontology

The definition of deontology in the Oxford dictionary is “The study of the nature of duty and obligation” (Oxford University Press, 2019). Deontology is absolutist, in that something is wrong or right in spite of the consequences. Immanuel Kant was well known and widely influential for his ethical views surrounding the theory of deontology. The morality of an act does not justify the actions take place during the time period that it takes to get to the end result of that particular act. According to (Thompson et al., 1994) when referring to Kant “It is not the end result of an act that makes it right or wrong, but rather the moral intention of the agent” (Thompson et al., 1994. Cited in Bartter).

Challenges within Deontological Ethics

If an act is to be carried out, it must be done with within what is ultimately right. For instance, an act that is propelled by emotions and went against a moral code of conduct, regardless whether the act was carried out for the greater good, it is wrong to do so. If an individual was to commit theft and steal food to feed the poor and hungry, it is wrong no matter of the good consequences that the result would bring. Kant theorised that if a person is to is going to make a decision it should be on that everyone should be able to follow, no matter the circumstances, beliefs or culture it should one that can be applied universally and not one where exceptions are permitted depending on the situation. There are criticisms of the deontology theory. Deontology is too absolutist (David Seedhouse, 1988) says that rights and wrongs of this ethical theory is too firm and not sensitive to people’s moral judgements.

The Influence of Postmodern Ethics

Postmodern ethics are a set of rules that take in to account people’s social surroundings, their environment, psychological state and shows respect and acceptance for a person’s political views, religion, sexual orientation, and ethnicity and culture. Postmodernism also questions facts and the theory is open to the idea that things can change. Postmodernism is not absolutist; there is no absolute truth.

Principlism in Healthcare Ethics

Principelism is based on ethics which include; autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence and justice. In health care, autonomy allows a patient to make a decision about their treatment without healthcare professional influencing their decision-making. Although healthcare professionals would still give information and advice.

In conclusion, the exploration of ethical theories including consequentialism, deontology, postmodern ethics and principlism provides a comprehensive understanding of diverse perspectives in ethical decision-making. Consequentialism represented by Utilitarianism and Hedonism focuses on outcomes of actions emphasizing greater good or pursuit of pleasure. Deontology rooted in moral philosophy Immanuel Kant posits morality act determined by moral intention agent irrespective consequences while deontology criticized its absolutist nature underscores importance universalizable ethical principles.