Medical Ethics

Two theories used to decide the rightness of an actions (whether the action is morally correct)  

Teleological theory

• rightness of action is determined by the consequence of the action.

• so we have to wait until the consequences are apparent.

• but there are problems in determining whether the consequences are good or bad (in some situations). So people have proposed various theories to measure the goodness and the badness of actual consequence.

• the end justify the means

Deontological theory

• rightness of action is determined by the action it self.

• don't have to wait until the consequences are apparent.

• Persons action should confirm to the specific moral duty of that person at the given moment. But there can be disputes of what is the actual moral duty of a person.

• since this theory doesn't take in to consideration the consequences, the consequences of a moral act defined by this theory can be suffering or painful.

• the end does not justify the means