Which statement best describes teleological (consequentialist) ethics?

Which statement best describes teleological (consequentialist) ethics?

• A. Morality is determined by the outcomes of actions.
• B. Morality is determined by adherence to universal duties.
• C. Morality is based on the intrinsic value of actions.
• D. Morality varies with personal feelings.

Answer: (A)

Teleological ethics evaluates whether an action is morally right based on the consequences it produces. In this view, the outcome matters more than whether the action follows a rule or has some intrinsic rightness on its own. Therefore, saying that morality is determined by the outcomes of actions aligns exactly with this approach, since good or bad results drive moral judgment. For contrast, a deontological perspective would judge actions by adherence to universal duties or rules, regardless of the outcome. Other theories might focus on the intrinsic value of actions themselves, or on personal feelings, which reflect different bases for morality rather than the consequences.

Teleological ethics evaluates whether an action is morally right based on the consequences it produces. In this view, the outcome matters more than whether the action follows a rule or has some intrinsic rightness on its own. Therefore, saying that morality is determined by the outcomes of actions aligns exactly with this approach, since good or bad results drive moral judgment. For contrast, a deontological perspective would judge actions by adherence to universal duties or rules, regardless of the outcome. Other theories might focus on the intrinsic value of actions themselves, or on personal feelings, which reflect different bases for morality rather than the consequences.