Towards Christian Teleological Ethics

Abstract

Ethical Neo-Aristotelians hold that ethical standards are fixed by something’s end (telos). Moreover, they hold that such ends are inherent in nature. I argue that an end is normatively binding only if it is intended. Thus, I distinguish between “functional” ends (which are immanent in nature yet non-normative) and “purposive” ends (which are set by agential intentions and thus normative). The purposes of individual’s can fix normative standards, but these standards are relative. This raises the worry that teleological conceptions of ethics devolve into ethical relativism. I show how the charge of ethical relativism can be met by appeal to Christian theology. If a providential God exists, then God’s purposes for humans become an ultimate ethical standard. In order to know God’s purposes for humankind, we look to God’s revelation in Christ.