Combining teleological ethics with evaluator relativism: A promising result

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32 Scopus citations

Abstract

Consequentialism is an agent-neutral teleological theory, and deontology is an agent-relative non-teleological theory. I argue that a certain hybrid of the two - namely, non-egoistic agent-relative teleological ethics (NATE) - is quite promising. This hybrid takes what is best from both consequentialism and deontology while leaving behind the problems associated with each. Like consequentialism and unlike deontology, NATE can accommodate the compelling idea that it is always permissible to bring about the best available state of affairs. Yet unlike consequentialism and like deontology, NATE accords well with our commonsense moral intuitions.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)95-113
Number of pages19
JournalPacific Philosophical Quarterly
Volume86
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Philosophy

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