‘Deontology is superior to teleology.’ To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Deontology is a normative, rule-based ethical theory concerned with the morality of an action itself as opposed to its consequences. Thus, it is easily followed by a society and does not assume the consequences of an act as telogology does. Deontology is arguably more cooperative, for it may be based on the common intuition of society, as laws generally are. Futrthermore, in a pressured situation such as the one Philippa Foot presents in the ‘trolley problem’, a quick decision is essential. Deontology allows this for the moral agent must merely consider right there and then the most kind action without having to consider the consequences. Whereas teleology, or consequentialism, involves a much deeper consideration of the short and long-term consequences which there simply wouldn’t be time for in this instance.However, perhaps in general, non-time pressured situations, teleology is the more moral theory to follow. Unlike deontology, teleology considers how these actions might effect people’s lives later - which is arguably more important, especially if the consequences are dire. We cannot definitively predict the future, but to completely disregard consequence because of this fact would be a mistake. Perhaps ethical theories need teleology to ensure the rules are just in every situation. For example, Joseph Fletcher’s situation ethics states ‘in every situation, do the most loving thing’ - meaning that rules should be followed so long as the effects are the most kind to everyone. Furthermore, the arguably superior version of utilitarianism - mill’s ‘rule utilitarianism’, involves teleology and considering long-term happiness: fulfilment, rather than short-term pleasure-based happiness: hedonism.To conclude, in general moral decision-making, one might argue that teleological arguments, or theories at least involving teleology, are superior, for it allows the consideration of possible consequences to anyone or anything affected both long-term and short-term. However, a purely teleological theory might be arbitrary and relying too heavily on a consequence that cannot be predicted. Rules and guidelines are necessary for a society and desperate situations, but without an element of teleology, the most moral decision won’t be made.