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According to consequentialism, what is the primary factor in determining the moral worth of an action?
According to consequentialism, what is the primary factor in determining the moral worth of an action?
Which type of consequences does consequentialism consider morally relevant?
Which type of consequences does consequentialism consider morally relevant?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a good or desirable consequence in consequentialism?
Which of the following is NOT an example of a good or desirable consequence in consequentialism?
What makes an action morally good with respect to the rules it follows or violates?
What makes an action morally good with respect to the rules it follows or violates?
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Which aspect is assessed to determine if an action respects human or moral rights?
Which aspect is assessed to determine if an action respects human or moral rights?
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What does it mean for an action to be morally good with respect to the character of its agent?
What does it mean for an action to be morally good with respect to the character of its agent?
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Which of the following best describes a virtuous person in the context of consequentialism?
Which of the following best describes a virtuous person in the context of consequentialism?
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In the context of evaluating morality, what should prevail when a conflict arises between consequences, rules, and the character of its agent?
In the context of evaluating morality, what should prevail when a conflict arises between consequences, rules, and the character of its agent?
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Which ethical theory suggests that the moral goodness of an action is independent of the agent's character?
Which ethical theory suggests that the moral goodness of an action is independent of the agent's character?
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According to consequentialism, what is considered a good rule?
According to consequentialism, what is considered a good rule?
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What does intrinsic good refer to in the context of consequentialism?
What does intrinsic good refer to in the context of consequentialism?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of intrinsic good?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of intrinsic good?
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According to J.J.C. Smart, what determines the rightness or wrongness of an act?
According to J.J.C. Smart, what determines the rightness or wrongness of an act?
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Which ethical theory primarily focuses on the character of the agent performing actions?
Which ethical theory primarily focuses on the character of the agent performing actions?
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Which concept in consequentialism is described as 'desired for the sake of something else'?
Which concept in consequentialism is described as 'desired for the sake of something else'?
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What is the primary goal according to consequentialist theories?
What is the primary goal according to consequentialist theories?
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Study Notes
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.
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Description
Understand the principles of consequentialism, a moral philosophy that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences, including intrinsic goods and moral relevance.
