Which kind of ethical theory, deontologist or consequentialist, works better for arguing that it is wrong to drive one's car on the left side of the road in a country where people normally drive on the right?

3. Which kind of ethical theory, deontologist or consequentialist, works better for arguing that it is wrong to drive one's car on the left side of the road in a country where people normally drive on the right? Explain. (Chp. 1)

I think the consequentialist theory works the best for arguing whether it is wrong to drive ones car on the left side of the road in a country where it is the norm to drive on the right side. A deontologist point of view would state that it is always wrong to drive one’s car on the left side of the road because deontologist view right and wrong as absolutes. Driving on the right side of the road is the rational course of action in a country where that is the norm, therefore that is the right action.

A consequentialist point of view would take into account the possible consequences of only driving on the right side of the road, and situations where it might be better in some cases to drive on the left side. For example, a consequentialist might determine the morally right action to take would be to drive on the left side of the road to avoid an obstacle so long as the action did not negatively affect others.

Baase, S. (2008). A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and the Internet. 3rd. ed. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall.