The Rationality of Ethics: Teleological Theory reconciled in the context of Abortion

Abstract

This paper sought to argue about the notion of abortion, and its immorality within a society. Viewed teleologically, human behaviour such as committing abortion, may be designated as being moral or immoral according to the goals clearly established by a person and reasons given. Teleologic theory thus proposes that the ethical decision for carrying out an abortion focusses on the outcome of the abortion and its outcome on society. Realizing a goal and what one is doing is required and is an adequate condition to consider moral action without bearing in mind any transitional action taken to arrive at a particular objective. The article also seeks to reveal the importance of the biblical view of life as gift emanating from a Creator God. The author places emphasis on the ethical values deemed to be appropriate for Christians based on Holy Scripture relating to life and death issues. The themes for this paper were addressed by the researcher as follows: The immorality on abortion, some reasons given for abortion, the right to abortion, the unborn baby has a right to life, the unwanted pregnancy, Church views on abortion, society’s view on abortion and what is considered to be right or wrong, ethical and unethical in having an abortion.