Normative Ethics Section 3 Deontology Contractarianism and Consequentialism

Normative Ethics Section 3 Deontology, Contractarianism and Consequentialism

Deontological Theories n Normative theories not based on consequences. § Immanuel Kant § David Ross Consider how the deontological theories of Kant & Ross could be problematic. 2

Rights n n Fundamental principles. Thought to require deontological theory. n But… rights can be said to emerge from moral rules with a consequentialist underpinning. Consider how consequentialism can inform belief in rights. 3

Criticisms of Consequentialism Bernard Williams: (1. ) overdemanding (2. ) alienates agents from their integrity. 4

Replies (1. ) Consequentalism can provide for supererogation (rather than making it obligatory to maximise value). (2. ) Does not alienate agents more than any other theory. 5

Objective Consequentialism n n n Avoids alienating agents from their relationships. Upholds relationships. Not committed to excessive selfsacrifice. n Subjective consequentialism treats maximising as a decisionprocedure to be employed recurrently. 6

Justice & Consequentialism Distributive justice: n consequentialism can prioritize the satisfaction of needs. Corrective justice: n consequentialism can justify retributive practices through their benefits to society. 7

Contractarianism n Moral rules are based on what rational, self-interested individuals would (in certain circumstances & under certain constraints) choose or contract into. 8

Problems n § § Does not provide for those unable to enter into a contract, including - unborn generations - animals - some humans. Problem of abstractness. Consequentialist theories remain preferable. 9