Technological Frameworks

Teleological frameworks focus on results of the conduct of the individual through the ramifications, both positive and negative, resulting from the actions and conduct of individuals (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). The three teleological frameworks include egoism, utilitarianism and Sidgwick's dualism.

Ethical egoism is based on the belief that every individual should act in a way to promote himself or herself if the net result will generate, on balance, positive rather than negative results (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). Ethical egoists argue that based their perceptions, all of their actions on balance are able to generate more positive than negative influences, which in turn could generate a positive outcome for others. They also argue that this is the only framework that captures the essence of motivation in individuals (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). An advantage of this framework is that an individual can reward his or her own self-interest while also yielding benefits for the rest of the society. A disadvantage of this framework is that human motivation is based purely on selfish factors, meaning that they should be non-selfish factors that motivate individuals and make them unique human beings (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009).

Utilitarianism hold the belief that any action of an individual will be based on providing the greatest good for the greatest number of people (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). Also it is based on the principle that each person's actions add to the overall utility of the community impacted by those actions (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). Utilitarian's therefore focus on the net results of their actions instead of the means or motives that generated the reason for their actions. An advantage of this framework is that its supporters believe that it is the only one that captures the essence of benevolent behavior. Without this, people would not do actions that help others if the action doesn't benefit the self-interests of the individuals. One disadvantage of Utilitarianism is that it is nearly impossible to evaluate its effectiveness due to the fact that one cannot determine what would be the greatest good for the greatest number of people (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009).

Sidgwick's dualism attempts to bridge the gap between the frameworks of ethical egoism and utilitarianism. Sidgwick argues that utilitarianism is a foundation component of any ethical framework, calling it rational benevolence (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). He also argued that self-interest must be included in the ethical framework he called prudence. Rational benevolence is necessary in an individual's actions but he also agrees that prudence is necessary because the happiness of an individual is a common goal in both instances (Stanwick .P & Stanwick S, 2009). He believed that there had to be some reconciliation between the two theories to explain how individuals act in their own self-interest as well as those interests of others. An advantage of this theory is that it can be used by businesses to focus on their self-interests and maximize profitability