What is the difference between an axiological and deontological ethic?

Answer 1

Axiological Ethics are ethics that motivate us to the end of action. For example Christianity pushes us to be good in life (motivation) so we can go to heaven and escape the damnation of Hell (The end). Or Hedonism which says that death is inevitable and we should make the most of life, for the afterlife in not important. Hedonism tries to get rid of the fear of death, by masking it with the pleasures of life. Bentham even made a formula how to measure if you are having more pain than pleasure (Hedonistic Calculus). So having rampant sex with everyone you can is okay along as it brings you pleasure, killing people is okay all long as it brings pleasure. Epicureanism is where Hedonism came from and Epicurus taught that we should make the most of life, not fear death and have pleasures, just like Hedonism, but make the pleasures, simple and modest pleasures. Like having close friends, gaining knowledge of topics that interest you, et cetera. Things like having too much sex was generally frowned apon because then that diminishes the value of it, and you may become dissatisfied with your partner. Not exactly the most pleasurable thing.

Deontological Ethics teaches that we act because we have to. For example, Zeno of Athens taught Stoic ethics. These ethics taught of Absolute Divine Order, or Logos. This dictates that we are cogs in the great machine of the Universe and we have no control of what we do. Our actions are pre-determined and whatever happens we have to accept it. There is no exceptions, nor deviations from the plan. There is no chaos, just complex systematic happenings. Another form of this is Presbyterian and how they believe in pre-destination.

-Clayton