Consequentialism

Ethical theories that locate the source of moral value in desirable states of affairs that result as a direct consequence of an action. In this way, consequentialism emphasizes some principle of the good as its central concept. Though there are various forms of consequentialism, the most popular form is Utilitarianism, which holds that morally valuable actions are those actions that bring about the greatest good for the greatest number of people (see Mill, Bentham). How one defines the principle of the good will determine what kind of utilitarian one is. For example, if one defines the good as the maximization of pleasure, then one is a pleasure utilitarian and believes that rights actions are those that bring about the greatest amount of pleasure for the greatest amount of people. If one believes that the good consists in the maximization of utility, then one is a strict utilitarian. "Utility," originally an economic term, refers to a unit of resources or means that is required to live one’s individual conception of the good life. In so far as consequentialism posits the maximization of a favorable resulting state of affairs, i.e., some conception of the principle of the good, as its fundamental normative principle, it is opposed to Deontology. Consequentialist theories of all types have been criticized for placing too much emphasis on the maximization of valuable resulting states of affairs, which can lead to morally counter-intuitive conclusions. Consequentialism is one form of teleological ethics, sometimes inaccurately equated with Teleology.

Return to Issues & Concepts

Return to For the Public - Table of Contents

Return to For Affiliates - Table of Contents

© 2007 Ascension Health