Consequentialism

Consequentialism (pronounced: /ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəˌlɪzəm/) is a class of normative, ethical theories that suggest that the outcomes of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the rightness or wrongness of that conduct.

Etymology

The term "Consequentialism" originates from the Latin consequi, meaning "to follow after". The term was first coined by Elizabeth Anscombe in her 1958 essay "Modern Moral Philosophy".

Definition

Consequentialism is the view in ethics that moral actions are to be judged solely by their consequences. This view is often expressed as the aphorism "The ends justify the means". Consequentialism is usually contrasted with deontological ethics (from the Greek deon, "duty"), in that deontology, in which rules and moral duty are central, derives the rightness or wrongness of one's conduct from the character of the behaviour itself rather than the outcomes of the conduct.

Types of Consequentialism

There are several varieties of consequentialism. Notably, they include:

• Utilitarianism: This is the best-known form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number.

• Egoism: This form of consequentialism asserts that an action is morally right if the decision-maker freely decides in order to benefit themselves, regardless of the effect on others.

• Altruism: This is the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others. In the context of consequentialism, it suggests that the moral worth of an action is determined by its resulting outcome, and that the more beneficial or 'better' that outcome, the more moral the action.

Criticism

Consequentialism has been criticized on several grounds. Critics argue that it leads to a number of counterintuitive results, can be demanding, and fails to respect individual rights.

See Also

• Ethics
• Moral Philosophy
• Deontological Ethics
• Utilitarianism
• Egoism
• Altruism

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Consequentialism
• Wikipedia's article - Consequentialism

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