(MyKomms.com,
2017)
In Chapter 2, LaFollette (2007) discusses
Consequentialism and Deontology. Discuss your thoughts on these two theories.
According
to LaFollette, “Consequentialists claim that we are morally obligated to act in
ways that produce the best consequences.
It is not difficult to see why this is an appealing theory. It employs the same style of reasoning we use
in making purely prudential (wise, self-interested) decisions” (LaFollette, pg.
23, 2007).
As a
child, I had to learn about consequences for good and bad behavior. The consequences were taught to me by my
parents and teachers. I quickly learned
through corporal punishment the consequences of my wrong actions like writing
on the walls, cutting my brother’s hair or catching my mattress on fire with a
hot plate. I learned other consequences
through trial and error like sticking a butter knife into an electrical outlet,
eating my first hot pepper, and cutting my hand with a razor blade. So, what about good consequences for good
behavior? As a child, being rewarded
reinforced good behavior. Doing household
chores like cleaning my room was rewarded with a monetary allowance. Getting good grades in school was also
rewarded with money. Did I learn about
morals in these situations? Not so
much. However, these were lessons that
taught me right and wrong along with good or bad.
So,
do we make decisions regarding our behavior based on a determined value or
weight of a consequence? LaFollette
believes so. According to LaFollette, “The
consequentialist needs to know not only which consequences count, but also how much each counts. A consequences weight is the product of the nature of the interests it affects,
the number of interests affected, and their respective probabilities”
(LaFollette, pg. 26, 2007). LaFollette
also indicates that the nature of the consequence is a determining factor of
the weight of the consequence.
My
morals are pretty well established.
However, I can understand the importance of weight. I know it is illegal to steal. But if my children were starving and I had no
money, I may consider stealing. If I had
plenty of money and still stole to feed my family, the weight would be
different even though the consequences would still be the same but my moral
deliberation would be completely different.
In both situations, my family would be fed and happier. LaFollette describes this as “Utilitarianism”. However, the consequences of my actions would
then cause unhappiness if I were sent to jail…like a double edge sword. But does the end really justify the
means? It depends on the situation in my
opinion.
Now
back to my childhood. As most children
do, I lived in a world of “don’t do this” and “don’t do that”. “Don’t run with scissors…you might put an eye
out!”, “Don’t sit too close to the TV, it will ruin your eye sight!”, “Don’t
eat too much or you’ll bet a belly ache!”, “Candy will rot your teeth!”, “Coffee
will stunt your growth!”, “Don’t touch that!”.
So, if I ate candy, was I being immoral?
I thought so, plus I didn’t want to make Mommy and Daddy mad or have
rotten teeth. LaFollette describes this
as “Deontology” (LaFollette, pg. 24, 2007).
I
found consequentialism and deontology slightly similar…both have their nucleus
as the knowledge of the difference between right and wrong. However, LaFollette states, “Many
consequentialists think their theory also permits – or even requires – moral rules:
it is generally better if everyone follows the same rules than if they decide
for themselves what is moral…Deontologist contend there are strict moral limits
on what we can do to others.
Consequentialists do not. That is
the source of the most common objection to consequentialism: that if we
consider only consequences, then we will eventually – and perhaps often – act immorally
(LaFollette, pg. 24, 2007)”.
At
the end of the day, morality takes center stage. However, I believe morality is
subjective. This is based on where we
are from and who we are raised by regardless of age.
Enjoy
this argument!
References
MyKomms.com. (2017). Consequentialism vs. deontology. Retrieved from https://www.mykomms.com/university/part-detail/consequentialist-or-deontological-justification~53wcDXK7qMSFQC0_p3Bj_Aq0oESxDN2EHWFFNq5UxhM?level=
LaFollette, H. (2007). The practice of ethics.
Malden, MA: Blackwell Publishing
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