Using teleological and deontological theories - Definition of Greater good? An important question arises out of either theoretic position: does my action support the greater good and what is the definition of or my understanding of what the greater good consists of? 

 

Ethical theories: Greater Good

Teleological theory defines greater good as the moral obligation to ensure that a decision made attains the desired objective at the end. Teleological theory explains greater good as being able to attain a consequence that could have been desired, irrespective of whether others consider it wrong or right (Baumane, Cals & Sumilo 2016). On the other hand, deontological theory provides that greater good is when an action is subjected to a laid set of rules. An action is considered to be morally correct when it meets the threshold of a set of rules rather than the consequences attained at the end.

However, a personal understanding of the greater good is different from the definition of the deontological and teleological theories. One feels that greater good is defined by an action that is taken, which leads to the benefit of all people and no detriment on anybody. Greater good defines morality as an action that aims at satisfying the expectations of most people in the society while causing limited harm to them. If something cases harm to some people and is only beneficial to some, it may not be considered to be of greater good.