(c) Discuss ethical non-consequentialism, its emphasis on duty, and highlight TWO of its problems. (9 Marks)

 

Ethical Non-Consequentialism:
Ethical non-consequentialism, also known as deontological ethics, is a theory of morality that asserts the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences. Instead, actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of the outcomes they produce. According to this view, some duties or moral obligations must be followed, even if they lead to undesirable consequences.

  1. Emphasis on Duty:
    Non-consequentialism emphasizes the importance of duty. Individuals have moral duties that they are obligated to fulfill, and these duties take precedence over the consequences of their actions. For example, a person has a duty not to lie, even if telling the truth may result in harm. The focus is on following moral rules because they are inherently right, not because of the outcomes they produce.
  2. Examples of Duties:
    • The duty to tell the truth.
    • The duty to keep promises.
    • The duty to treat others with respect.

Problems with Non-Consequentialism:

  1. Undesirable Consequences:
    One of the primary criticisms of non-consequentialism is that it can lead to morally questionable outcomes. For example, adhering strictly to the duty not to lie may lead to harm in certain situations, such as when telling the truth could endanger someone’s life.
  2. Conflicting Duties:
    Another issue with non-consequentialism is that individuals may face situations where their duties conflict. For instance, a person may have a duty to protect a friend and a duty to tell the truth, but these duties could come into conflict if telling the truth puts the friend at risk. Non-consequentialism offers no clear solution to such conflicts.