Question

What is the main difference between deontologists and consequentialists?

Options 1: Deontologists focus on the inherent morality of an action, while consequentialists focus on the outcome of an action.
Options 2: Deontologists believe that there are absolute moral rules that should be followed, while consequentialists believe that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences.
Options 3: Deontologists believe that the individual is the most important moral unit, while consequentialists believe that the well-being of society as a whole is the most important moral unit.
Options 4: All of the above.

Answer 1

Deontologists base moral judgements on adherence to rules and duties, while consequentialists determine the morality of actions by evaluating the consequences and aiming for the greatest good for the most people.

Step-by-step explanation:

The main difference between deontologists and consequentialists lies in their approach to ethical reasoning. Deontologists focus on the inherent morality of an action, adhering to absolute moral rules. This approach is based on the idea that certain duties and rules should always be followed, which means the rightness of an act is determined by its adherence to these rules, rather than by its consequences. In contrast, consequentialists believe that the morality of an action is determined by its outcomes. They evaluate whether actions are right or wrong based on the consequences they produce, typically aiming to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number. This utilitarian aspect emphasizes the results of an action, prioritizing the overall happiness or welfare generated over the action itself.