Deontology: Often referred to as “duty ethics,” deontology focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, regardless of the consequences. It emphasizes following universal moral laws and principles, even if they lead to unfavorable outcomes in specific situations.

Key figures associated with deontology include Immanuel Kant and John Rawls.

Determining right and wrong in deontology:

1. Identify the action in question.
2. Apply relevant moral rules or principles. Examples include respecting fundamental human rights, keeping promises, and avoiding harming others.
3. Evaluate the action based on its adherence to these principles. If the action violates a moral principle, it is considered wrong, regardless of the consequences.

Utilitarianism: This theory, championed by figures like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or well-being, often referred to as “utility.” It judges the morality of an action based on its outcome and its impact on the greatest number of people.

Determining right and wrong in utilitarianism:

1. Identify all possible courses of action.
2. Predict the consequences of each option.
3. Choose the action that leads to the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This involves weighing the positive and negative consequences for all those affected.

Similarities and Differences:

• Both theories aim for good outcomes: While deontology prioritizes upholding moral principles regardless of the consequences, utilitarianism seeks to achieve the best possible outcome for the most significant number of people.
• Focus on action vs. consequences: Deontology judges an action based on its adherence to pre-existing moral principles, whereas utilitarianism assesses the consequences of an action to weigh its ethical implications.

Ethical Dilemma:

Imagine a scenario where a doctor discovers a new life-saving medicine but only has enough to treat one person out of two critically ill patients.

• Deontological approach: The doctor might face a conflict between principles. Saving one life upholds the principle of “not letting someone die,” but choosing one patient over another could violate the principle of “treating everyone equally.” The decision would depend on the specific moral principles the doctor upholds.
• Utilitarian approach: The doctor would assess the potential outcomes of treating each patient. Factors like the patients’ ages, the severity of their illness, and the potential impact on their families might be considered. The choice would be based on maximizing the overall “good” and minimizing harm, even if it means sacrificing one life.

Conclusion:

Both deontology and utilitarianism offer valuable frameworks for navigating ethical dilemmas. While deontology emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral principles, utilitarianism underscores the need to consider the consequences of our actions and strive for the greatest good. When faced with complex ethical situations, individuals and societies often find themselves grappling with the tension between these two approaches to determine the right course of action.