ethical theories that focus on the outcomes or consequences of an action

the idea that actions should aim to produce the most happiness for the most people

an 18th-century philosopher and social reformer who developed utilitarianism

an ethical theory that focuses on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people

Teleology and utilitarianism

Religious education

In this unit pupils will use a philosophical lens to consider what we mean by good. They will examine  various ethical answers given such deontology, utilitarianism and situation ethics. They will conclude by weighing up the issue of suffering in the world.

Ethics: how do we know what is 'good'?

the feelings we experience during an action

What does the word 'telos' mean in ethical theory?

deciding to tell the truth because it is the right thing to do

donating money to a charity because it helps improve the lives of others

following a rule that says you must always be honest

choosing to stay quiet to avoid getting into trouble

Which of the following decisions are examples of a teleological approach?

making decisions based on following rules, regardless of the outcome

choosing actions that result in the greatest good for the greatest number 

focusing on the intentions behind actions, rather than their consequences

always acting in a way that benefits oneself, even if others are harmed

Which of the following best explains utilitarianism?

weigh the happiness gained against the pain

choose the greatest good for the greatest number

Put the steps below in the correct order for applying utilitarianism.

the number of people who will enjoy the park and benefit from it

whether the park follows the city's existing rules and regulations

whether the decision is made by elected officials

A city must decide whether to build a new park. According to utilitarianism, what should the main consideration when making the decision be?

A criticism of utilitarianism is that it can be difficult to calculate the exact amount of {{}} an action will cause.

The study of right and wrong is known as {{}}.

What is the meaning of 'deon' in 'deontology'?

choosing to act based on the consequences of the action

following rules or duties, regardless of the outcomes

making a decision that will make everyone happy

Which of these is an example of deontological ethics?

{{}} argued that you should always act according to the rule that you would want everyone else to follow.

because it undermines trust and respect for others

because it can improve social relationships

Why did Kant believe that people should never break promises?

an action is only right if it brings about the best consequences

an action is right if it is done out of personal duty, regardless of the outcome

an action is right if it brings happiness to the greatest number of people

an action is right if it is universally accepted by society

Which of the following best describes Kant's concept of the categorical imperative?

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Teleology and utilitarianism

Lesson outcome

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.