Deontological Approaches

1
Deontological Approaches

• Consequences of decisions are not always the most
  important elements as suggested by the
  consequentialist approach.
• The way you make decisions is what makes it
  moral.
• The end does not justify the means
• Results are not ethical unless the ethical means
  used to produce them

2
Kants Three Standards

• Do not make exceptions for self since everyone is
  worth the same.
• Let others make their own choices - treat people
  as ends rather than means to an end (everyone is
  equal).
• Would my action pass the publicity test - would
  it be adopted by rational people. Could action
  be explained would it be acceptable
  (grandmother test).

3
Human Rights Standard

• No action should violate fundamental human rights
• Rights - whats needed to live a life that
  expresses value.
• Rights - justifiable claim, entitlement or
  protection against collective goals.
• Liberty Rights (free speech, freedom of
  conscience, self determination) Welfare Rights
  (food, housing, employment, education, health
  care)

4
Justice Standard

• Justice - Fair distribution of Benefits Burdens
• Which is the fair distribution standard -
  equality, effort, need, accomplishment,
  contribution?
• We need a justice standard to show which
  distribution scheme is fair in each situation.

5
Justice Standard

• Seek the standard that distributes benefits and
  burdens most fairly.
• Rawls method - Use veil of ignorance to decide
  the rule for a just society.

6
Justice Standard

• Fair Distribution follows three principles
• Equal Liberty - max liberty compatible with
  liberty of others
• Difference Principle - inequities ethical if
  benefit least advantaged
• Equal Opportunity Principle - benefits equally
  open to all.

7
Religious Ethics

• Does the action fit the central tenets of the
  faith? Does the action follow the rule?
• Jesus Christ Love Your Neighbor
• Buddha The Cause of suffering is desire

8
Seven-Step Process of Making Ethical Decisions

• 1. What are the Facts
• 2. What are the Ethical Issues
• 3. What are the Alternatives?
• 4. Who are the Stakeholders?
• 5. What are the Ethics of the Alternatives?
• 6. What are the Practical Constraints?
• 7. What Actions Should we Take?