Introduction to Ethics: Consequentialism

Consequentialism: Results-based Ethics

• Definition: The morally right action is the one with the best overall consequences.
• Principles:
  • Right or wrong depends only on the results of the act.
  • More good consequences make an act better or more right.
  • Choose actions that maximize good consequences.
  • Live to maximize good consequences.
• Different forms differ on what good should be maximized:
  • Utilitarianism: Maximize human welfare or well-being.
  • Hedonism: Maximize human pleasure.
  • Other forms focus on rational preference satisfaction.

Act vs. Rule Consequentialism

• Act Consequentialism:
  • Each act is assessed individually for its consequences.
  • Flexible but impractical for decision-making due to time and resource constraints.
  • Bad for societal predictability and trust.
• Rule Consequentialism:
  • Moral rules based on their consequences.
  • Practical as rules are pre-derived, allowing for quick decisions.
  • Less flexible but argues for better long-term outcomes.

Appeal of Results-based Ethics

• Simple and aligns with common sense.
• Basing ethics on happiness and consequence evaluation is sensible.

Other Forms of Consequentialism

• Negative Consequentialism: Focuses on minimizing harm.

Criticisms Against Consequentialism

• Future Consequences Prediction: Difficult to predict future consequences accurately.
• Measuring Goodness: Hard to agree on and measure 'good' consequences.
• Bias: Consequences can be biased towards different groups.
• Irrelevance of Intentions and Character: Ignores intentions, past actions, character, and fairness.
• Human Rights Concerns: May conflict with recognizing individual rights when maximizing overall well-being.

Conclusion

• Consequentialism provides a framework focusing on outcomes but faces challenges in practicality, fairness, and human rights alignment.