What Kind of Teleology Does Moral Theology Need?

Abstract

Today many German moral theologians stress the need for teleological forms of ethical reasoning. At the same time, however, they reject utilitarianism. This raises two questions: Which types of teleological reasoning should moral theologians use, and why? The article distinguishes between agent-neutral and agent-relative moral theories and argues that theological ethicists should also distinguish between agent-neutral and agent-relative teleology. Agent-neutral teleology should be rejected on the same grounds on which utilitarianism is usually rejected. Agent-relative teleology is recommended as an integral part of the Christian tradition.