Some philosophers divide ethical systems into three types:

• deontological

• consequentialist (or ‘teleological’)

• character- (or virtue-) based

Here, we examine the defining characteristics of each set of systems.

Deontological

Deontological systems classify some actions as ‘wrong’.

A ‘wrong’ action is wrong in EVERY situation.

Immanuel Kant’s ethical system is a deontological system.

He argues that lying is always wrong, even to save a life.

Consequentialist / Teleological

Consequentialist systems classify some situations as good.

Acts are ‘right’ if they create these situations, and ‘wrong’ if they end them (or prevent them from being created).

In theory ANY action can be right (even killing, stealing, etc.) if its consequence is a ‘good’ situation.

Joseph Fletcher’s ethical system is a consequentialist system.

He argues that adultery can be ‘right’ if it brings about a better situation for the people involved.

Character-based

Character-based systems classify some people as ‘virtuous’.

Virtuous people’s actions are ‘right’.

These systems recognise that the world is a complicated place.

Instead of trying to make rules for every situation, they teach people how to make intelligent choices in whatever situation they find themselves in.

Aristotle’s ethical system is character based.

He argues that people become virtuous by practising making the right decision over and over again (preferably helped by people who are already virtuous).