Ethical philosophical frameworks

According to Thomas (1996, 108-109), deontological positions are based on 'rule following' and precede from formally specified precepts that guide how we ought to behave. On the other hand, teleological (sometimes called consequentialist and associated with utilitarianism) perspectives operate from the premise that ethical behaviour is determined by the consequences of an act, which on balance will result in the greatest social good, or the least social harm. Ess (2002a, 179, 182) suggests that the EU follows deontological approaches, whereby the rights of individuals are protected whatever the consequences, whereas the United States broadly follows utilitarian approaches, whereby possible benefits gained (e.g. to society) at the cost of compromising those rights might be considered. Ess (2004, 254) also identifies virtue ethics as classical, Western, feminist and Confucian, emphasising the importance of pursuing human excellence (virtue) in choices and actions.