Which ethical framework judges morality by outcomes?

Which ethical framework judges morality by outcomes?

• A. Deontological Ethics
• B. Teleological Ethics (Consequentialism)
• C. Virtue Ethics
• D. Natural Law

Answer: (B)

Judging morality by the results of actions is teleological ethics, also called consequentialism. The core idea is that what makes an action right is the good it produces or the balance of good over bad outcomes. So the moral worth of an act depends on its consequences, not on whether it followed a rule or reflected a virtuous character. For instance, a lie could be considered acceptable if it leads to better overall outcomes, because the emphasis is on the ends achieved. This stands in contrast to deontological ethics, which bases right and wrong on duties or rules that must be followed regardless of the outcome; virtue ethics, which centers on the person's character and the cultivation of virtues; and Natural Law, which grounds morality in what is rationally in accord with human nature and the natural order. Therefore, the framework that judges morality by outcomes is teleological ethics (consequentialism).

Judging morality by the results of actions is teleological ethics, also called consequentialism. The core idea is that what makes an action right is the good it produces or the balance of good over bad outcomes. So the moral worth of an act depends on its consequences, not on whether it followed a rule or reflected a virtuous character. For instance, a lie could be considered acceptable if it leads to better overall outcomes, because the emphasis is on the ends achieved.

This stands in contrast to deontological ethics, which bases right and wrong on duties or rules that must be followed regardless of the outcome; virtue ethics, which centers on the person's character and the cultivation of virtues; and Natural Law, which grounds morality in what is rationally in accord with human nature and the natural order. Therefore, the framework that judges morality by outcomes is teleological ethics (consequentialism).