What is the difference between a teleological and deontological ethics theory?

A teleological ethical theory is derived from the word 'telos' which is Greek for 'end'. It is an action based on the consequence of it and whether the outcome is good or bad. Examples of an teleological ethical theory are situation ethics by Fletcher, or Utilitarianism by Bentham. Whereas deontological ethics derives from the Greek word 'deon' which means 'obligation' or 'duty'. Here, an action is defined moral or not depending if the action itself is right or wrong under a series of rules, rather than based on the consequence of an action. For example, Kantian Ethics is a deontological theory.

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Answered by Izzy G. Religious Studies tutor

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