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🥸ethics review

Non-consequentialism

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Non-consequentialism is an ethical theory that holds that the morality of an action is determined by factors other than its consequences. It emphasizes the importance of principles, duties, and rights, suggesting that certain actions may be morally required or prohibited regardless of the outcomes they produce. This perspective often leads to a focus on the intentions behind actions and adherence to moral rules.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Non-consequentialism stands in contrast to consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge the morality of actions based solely on their outcomes.
  2. Within non-consequentialism, moral duties are often viewed as binding obligations that must be followed, regardless of the potential benefits or harms that may result.
  3. This ethical approach is commonly associated with philosophers like Immanuel Kant, who argued that rational beings have inherent dignity and should be treated as ends in themselves.
  4. Non-consequentialist theories can lead to moral dilemmas when duties conflict, as individuals must navigate situations where adhering to one duty may violate another.
  5. Critics of non-consequentialism argue that it can lead to rigid moral judgments that ignore the complexities and nuances of real-world situations.

Review Questions

  • How does non-consequentialism differ from consequentialist theories in evaluating moral actions?
    • Non-consequentialism differs from consequentialist theories by asserting that the morality of an action is determined by factors other than its outcomes. While consequentialists evaluate actions based on their results, non-consequentialists focus on adherence to moral principles and duties. This distinction can lead to different moral conclusions, especially in complex scenarios where good outcomes could be achieved through morally questionable means.
  • Discuss a situation where non-consequentialist principles might lead to a moral dilemma and how one might resolve it.
    • A classic moral dilemma for non-consequentialists arises when a person must decide whether to lie to protect someone's feelings. According to non-consequentialist ethics, lying is inherently wrong, regardless of the positive outcome it might create. This presents a conflict between the duty to tell the truth and the desire to avoid causing harm. To resolve this dilemma, one might seek alternative ways to express honesty without causing pain, thereby adhering to their moral duty while considering the impact of their words.
  • Evaluate how non-consequentialism can influence decision-making in professional contexts and its implications for ethical standards.
    • Non-consequentialism can significantly influence decision-making in professional contexts by prioritizing ethical standards rooted in duties and rights over outcomes. For example, a journalist may refuse to publish misleading information even if it could enhance their reputation or profitability. This adherence to truth-telling reflects non-consequentialist values and reinforces public trust in journalism. However, such a commitment can also complicate decision-making processes when strict adherence to ethical standards leads to negative consequences for stakeholders, prompting discussions on finding a balance between duty and practicality in ethical frameworks.