Question

A nurse is educating nursing students on the teleological model of ethical reasoning. The nurse judges that the education has been effective when a student states: Which of the following statements is an example of teleological ethical reasoning?

1) Abortion is acceptable because it results in fewer unwanted babies.
2) Abortion is never acceptable because it violates the sanctity of life.
3) Euthanasia is never acceptable because it violates the sanctity of life.
4) The rights of individuals should not be sacrificed for the good of the majority.

Answer 1

The statement exemplifying teleological ethical reasoning is that abortion is acceptable because it results in fewer unwanted babies, as this reflects the focus on consequences inherent in teleological models.

Step-by-step explanation:

The teleological model of ethical reasoning suggests that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome or consequence. When applying this model to ethical decision-making in nursing or healthcare settings, nursing students must recognize that the goal or end result of an action is the primary concern for determining its ethical value. Among the given options, the statement that exemplifies teleological ethical reasoning is: "Abortion is acceptable because it results in fewer unwanted babies." This reply clearly relates the morality of abortion to its perceived outcomes, assessing the action in terms of the consequences (fewer unwanted babies) it produces, which is hallmark of a teleological approach to ethics.