Consequentialism

Definition

Consequentialism is a normative ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action's consequences. It is the view that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for judgments about the morality of that conduct.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Consequentialism is a key concept in contemporary philosophy, as it represents a major approach to normative ethics alongside deontology and virtue ethics.
2. Consequentialist theories evaluate the morality of an action based solely on its outcomes, rather than on the action's adherence to a rule or the inherent nature of the action itself.
3. Utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, holds that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being for all affected parties.
4. Consequentialism is often contrasted with deontological theories, which judge the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a moral rule or duty.
5. Virtue ethics, in contrast to consequentialism, focuses on the moral character of the individual rather than the consequences of their actions.

Review Questions

• Explain how consequentialism differs from deontology in its approach to evaluating the morality of actions.
  • Consequentialism judges the morality of an action based solely on its outcomes or consequences, whereas deontology evaluates the morality of an action based on its adherence to a moral rule or duty, regardless of the action's consequences. Consequentialists believe the right action is the one that produces the best overall outcomes, while deontologists argue that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their outcomes.
• Describe how utilitarianism, a form of consequentialism, determines the morality of an action.
  • Utilitarianism, a consequentialist theory, holds that the morality of an action is determined by its ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being for all affected parties. Utilitarians believe the right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people, rather than adhering to specific moral rules or focusing on the inherent nature of the action itself. This approach seeks to weigh the consequences of an action and determine its overall utility or benefit.
• Analyze how consequentialism relates to the other major normative ethical theories, such as deontology and virtue ethics, in the context of contemporary philosophy.
  • Consequentialism is one of the three main normative ethical theories, along with deontology and virtue ethics, that are central to contemporary philosophical discussions. While consequentialism focuses on the outcomes of actions, deontology emphasizes the adherence to moral rules, and virtue ethics centers on the moral character of the individual. These competing theories represent different approaches to evaluating the morality of human conduct, and their relative strengths and weaknesses are widely debated within the field of normative ethics. Understanding the relationships and distinctions between these theories is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of contemporary philosophical thought on ethics.

Related terms

Utilitarianism: A form of consequentialism that holds that the consequences of one's actions are the ultimate basis for judgments about the morality of those actions, and that the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being.

Deontology: An opposing moral theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the action's consequences.

Virtue Ethics: A moral theory that emphasizes the virtues or moral character of the individual, rather than the consequences of actions or the rules governing those actions.