Which ethical system is described as judging actions by their consequences?

Which ethical system is described as judging actions by their consequences?

• A. Deontological
• B. Teleological
• C. Formal
• D. Kantian

Answer: (B)

Judging actions by their consequences is teleological ethics. Teleological or consequentialist frameworks evaluate the moral worth of an act based on the outcomes it produces, often aiming to maximize good or minimize harm—for example, utilitarianism weighs actions by overall happiness or well‑being resulting from them. This contrasts with deontological approaches, which judge actions by adherence to duties or rules regardless of outcomes; Kantian ethics is a key example that emphasizes universalizable duties and moral law. A formal or rule‑based perspective likewise concentrates on the act’s adherence to prescribed rules rather than its consequences. So, when the focus is on the results of actions to determine morality, the teleological view is the best fit.

Judging actions by their consequences is teleological ethics. Teleological or consequentialist frameworks evaluate the moral worth of an act based on the outcomes it produces, often aiming to maximize good or minimize harm—for example, utilitarianism weighs actions by overall happiness or well‑being resulting from them. This contrasts with deontological approaches, which judge actions by adherence to duties or rules regardless of outcomes; Kantian ethics is a key example that emphasizes universalizable duties and moral law. A formal or rule‑based perspective likewise concentrates on the act’s adherence to prescribed rules rather than its consequences. So, when the focus is on the results of actions to determine morality, the teleological view is the best fit.