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Feb 20, 2024
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Discussion Thread: Compare and Contrast Metaethical Theories
I wanted to start off with the definitions of Teleological and deontological before we get going. Teleological (Metaethical theories that have an end goal in mind) and deontological (being or essence of the essence of things) I decided to do my discussion on Duty Ethics in contrast to Christian ethical theory.
Duty Ethics is a deontological theory and Christian ethical theory tends to be deontological as well. How does each system define “the good?” How does each claim to know “the good?”
Duty Ethics is the fulfillment of one’s “moral obligations” (Michael S Jones) also referred to as deontology. Duty Ethics is principle based which means that following this form of ethics should be an easy task according to Immanuel Kant. The universal laws of not lying, cheating, fornication or committing murder, which are pretty simple ethical rules for one to follow, would be examples of this. Yet
there are so many who struggle with right and wrong. For instance, if a person had to steal food to feed themselves or their family, which within the practice of deontology, would be morally acceptable because it is for the benefit of the person or family in need, which would define “the good” in this instance. Duty Ethics claims to know “the good” based on its view that mankind has a duty to act properly, disregarding the good or bad.
Christian ethical theory bases its belief system around the law and commandments set forty by God’s Word which further directs mankind on how to live and instills the knowingness of what is right or wrong. Christians tend to be more deontologically oriented because of the emphasis in Christian ethics on
the commands of God as moral absolutes and guiding principles. As stated by Scott Rae, a Christian ethics view is found to be “a valuable set of moral guidelines and ideals for society” (Scott Rae, Moral Choices 4
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Edition, (HarperCollins Christian, 2018), 52). Instructions to be like God, which is the basis for Christian ethics can be found throughout the Bible. In 1 Peter 1:15-16 says, “but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.” (Holy Bible 1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV). Therefore, Christian ethical theory would define “the good” as being like God. And so, the Christian ethical theory states “the good” by recognizing the moral truths by using reasoning and revelation.
What, if any, do these systems have in common? What, if any, are their key differences?
Now, the similarities between Duty Ethics and Christian ethical theory lie in the fact that they both possess morals and share concern about mankind. The difference is how they come to interpret those
morals. With Duty Ethics, a bad act could be justified if it holds a benefit to the party doing the act, whereas Christian ethical theory is Biblically based and there is no question on what is right and wrong.
Which theory do you think is the stronger ethical theory?
I believe that Christian ethics is the stronger ethical theory, but today, most would think Duty Ethics is stronger. You see, Christian ethics operation is Biblically based, and its primary focus is on morality, whereas Duty Ethics share the theory that a bad act can be justified if the situation calls for it. Another example of this is if a person feels they must lie to protect the whereabouts of their family. So, from a Duty Ethics perspective, the lie would be justified. The world shifts to wanting to explain why their wrong act should be justified. Times are hard right now for many, and there has been a multitude of instances where Duty Ethics took preference over Christian’s ethics. But we must understand that while
we say that times are hard, we must realize that times have always been hard. The bible teaches us “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there
is no new thing under the sun.” (Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9, KJV). Of course, this can’t be an easy task for someone who was raised to follow Christian ethics to not kill or cause harm, but if he or she now has a
moral duty to their country to defend and attack in an effort to protect themselves and their love ones, then clearly in the Bible once again there is support for this. “To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:…a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to
build up;” (Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1,3, KJV). God’s Word is truly all we need to know how we are to live a life that can be filled with equality, liberty and happiness if we would be obedient to our Creator. Reference
Jones, Michael S., Mark J. Farnham, and David L. Saxon. “Sections.” Essay. In Talking about Ethics A Conversational Approach to Moral Dilemmas. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2011, 18.
Scott Rae, Moral Choices 4
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Edition, (HarperCollins Christian, 2018), 52.
Holy Bible 1 Peter 1:15-16 KJV Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 1:9, KJV
Holy Bible, Ecclesiastes 3:1,3, KJV
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