Ethical Guide for Tralfamadorians

                Now that you have come to your senses and have decided to live in peace with the humans my dear Tralfamadorian, may I now present to you the following necessary guidelines that you must follow while staying here in our beloved Earth. There are different ethical theories that are known in this planet. These theories are what we humans appropriately apply in a particular scenario according to its usefulness such cases.  There are two categories for ethical theories ― Teleological and Deontological.

                Teleological Theory or the Consequential Theory describes an ethical perspective that contends the rightness or wrongness of actions is based solely on the goodness or badness of their consequences. In a strict teleological interpretation, actions are morally neutral when considered apart from their consequences. There are three types ― Egoism, Utilitarianism and Altruism.

                Ethical Egoism is the kind where everyone should always act in their own best interest or whatever brings them the most happiness. The ethical egoist is not saying that we, as moral agents, ought to act selfishly, that is, that we should never promote the interests of others. Acting in the interests of others is quite consistent with ethical egoism, so long as acting in other people's interests is at the same time acting in one's own interests. Given the fact that very often what is good for others is also good for us, it is a fair bet that an ethical egoist would do things in many circumstances that promote the interests of others. For example are parents who sacrifice their well-being, at times their very lives, for the sake of their children.

                Utilitarianism is the kind that brings about the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. In other words, the interests of all objects of moral concern must be considered on an equal basis in all ethical deliberation. One's own interests, or the interests of people within one's own social group, should not be given a favoured status over the interests of others. This is not to say that these interests are irrelevant to moral judgment. It would be as illegitimate to disregard one's own interests in moral judgment as it is to disregard the interests of others.

                Altruism states that an action is right if the consequences of the action are favourable to all except the actor.

               Deontological Theory refers to an ethical theory or perspective based on duty or obligation. A deontological, or duty-based, theory is one in which specific moral duties or obligations are seen as self-evident, having intrinsic value in and of themselves and needing no further justification. Moral actions are evaluated on the basis of inherent rightness or wrongness rather than goodness or a primary consideration of consequences. Kantianism and Divine Command Theory are deontological theories.

                 Kantianism emphasizes the type of action rather than on the consequences of that action. Example is the policemen that shoots and kills law abiding citizens. It may be stated in the bible that killing is prohibited but in order to maintain the peace order, the policemen must to their duties.

                Divine Command Theory is based on obedience, and not on reason. This theory uses the Holy Book as guide in making moral decisions. For example is that this theory upholds God's teachings which are perceived to be morally right.

xoxo,
pring