What does a teleological or consequentialist approach to ethical dilemmas primarily assess?

A teleological or consequentialist approach to ethical dilemmas focuses on assessing the potential outcomes of a decision. This ethical framework posits that the morality of an action is determined by its consequences; therefore, the primary concern is whether the outcomes result in overall betterment or harm for individuals or society as a whole. In making ethical decisions, a teleological perspective encourages weighing the benefits and drawbacks of various options, ultimately choosing the action that is likely to produce the most favorable results.

The other options, while relevant in discussing ethics, do not align with the essence of a teleological framework. For instance, identifying moral obligations towards clients relates more to deontological ethics, which emphasizes duties and obligations, rather than outcomes. Similarly, determining societal norms and values addresses broader cultural considerations rather than the specific results of individual actions. Analyzing historical precedents in similar cases focuses on past instances to guide current ethical considerations, which is more about learning from history than evaluating consequences. Thus, the emphasis on outcomes clearly defines the teleological or consequentialist approach.