Consequentialism in Ethics

Consequentialism

• Consequentialism is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences.
• The morality of an action is determined by the kind of consequence it leads to, not by the rules it follows or the character of its agent.
• Only consequences that involve an intrinsic good are considered morally relevant.

Evaluating the Morality of an Action

• Consequences:
  • An action is morally good if it results in something good or desirable.
  • Good or desirable consequences may include:
    • Bringing about pleasurable experiences or preventing painful ones.
    • Fulfilling desires or satisfying preferences.
    • Promoting well-being or improving the quality of life of persons.
• Rules that it follows or violates:
  • An action is morally good if it follows a good rule or does not conform to a bad rule.
  • Good rules may be:
    • Rational or reasonable.
    • Willed by God or conforming to His will.
    • Respecting human or moral rights.
    • Conforming to the natural order of things.
• Character of its agent:
  • An action is morally good if it is something that a person of good character would do.
  • A virtuous person is a good person, while a vicious person is a bad person.

Conflict Between Aspects and Normative Ethical Theories

• There are cases where all three aspects occur in compatible ways, but also cases where a conflict arises.
• Normative ethical theories, such as Consequentialism, Deontology, and Virtue Ethics, arose to address these conflicts.

What Makes Consequentialism Different

• Consequentialism emphasizes that an action is morally good because it leads to the right consequences, regardless of the rules it follows or violates, and the character traits of its agent.
• Good rules are those that, when followed, will result in good consequences.
• Good character traits are those that, when acquired, will lead to the performance of actions that will result in good consequences.

Definition of Consequentialism

• J.J.C. Smart defines Consequentialism as a theory that determines the rightness or wrongness of an act solely by the intrinsic goodness or badness of its consequences.
• Consequentialism prioritizes maximizing an intrinsic good through the consequences of our actions.
• Our moral duty is to maximize an intrinsic good through the consequences of our actions.

Intrinsic and Instrumental Good

• Intrinsic good:
  • Also called "inherent good" or "unconditional good".
  • Desired for its own sake, not in order to achieve something else that is desired.
  • Does not derive its goodness from another good.
  • Always good, regardless of the condition of its occurrence.
  • Moral duty is to maximize or increase it to its highest possible degree.
• Instrumental good:
  • Also called "derived good" or "conditional good".
  • Desired for the sake of something else.
  • It is desired because it serves as a means to achieve something else that is desired.