Religion and Ethics – Teleological ethics (Situation Ethics, Utilitarianism)

Teleological ethics, also known as consequentialist ethics, judges the morality of an action based on its outcomes or consequences. This approach is central to the WJEC A-Level Religious Studies specification, where students explore two major theories: Situation Ethics and Utilitarianism. Situation Ethics, developed by Joseph Fletcher, argues that love (agape) is the sole intrinsic good, and actions are right if they produce the most loving result. Utilitarianism, pioneered by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, holds that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure. Both theories reject absolute moral rules in favour of flexible, outcome-based decision-making.

Understanding teleological ethics is crucial because it challenges deontological (duty-based) approaches and raises key questions about moral reasoning, justice, and individual rights. In the WJEC A-Level, students must critically evaluate these theories, considering their strengths (e.g., flexibility, practical application) and weaknesses (e.g., potential for injustice, difficulty measuring consequences). This topic also connects to broader themes in religion and ethics, such as the relationship between faith and morality, and the role of conscience.

Mastering teleological ethics requires a clear grasp of key thinkers, principles, and criticisms. Students should be able to apply these theories to contemporary ethical issues like abortion, euthanasia, or war, and compare them with other ethical frameworks. This knowledge not only prepares students for exam questions but also develops critical thinking skills essential for further study in philosophy, theology, or law.