Mohist Consequentialism

Definition

Mohist consequentialism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of an action based solely on its consequences. It emphasizes that the ultimate goal of morality is to maximize the overall benefit or 'collective good' for society, rather than focusing on individual rights or intentions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mohist consequentialism emphasizes that the ultimate goal of morality is to maximize the overall benefit or 'collective good' for society, rather than focusing on individual rights or intentions.
2. Mohists believed that the rightness or wrongness of an action should be evaluated solely based on its consequences, not the agent's motives or the inherent nature of the act itself.
3. A key Mohist principle is 'impartial concern', which states that one should show equal care and concern for all members of society, not just one's own family or in-group.
4. Mohist consequentialism shares similarities with utilitarianism, as both judge the morality of actions based on their ability to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
5. Mohists argued that individuals should act in ways that benefit the state and society as a whole, even if those actions go against personal interests or preferences.

Review Questions

• Explain the core tenets of Mohist consequentialism and how it differs from other ethical frameworks.
  • The key tenets of Mohist consequentialism are that the rightness or wrongness of an action should be judged solely based on its consequences, rather than the agent's motives or the inherent nature of the act itself. Mohists believed the ultimate goal of morality is to maximize the overall benefit or 'collective good' for society, rather than focusing on individual rights or preferences. This differentiates Mohist consequentialism from deontological ethical frameworks that emphasize adherence to moral rules or duties, as well as virtue ethics that judge actions based on the moral character of the agent.
• Describe the Mohist principle of 'impartial concern' and analyze how it relates to their consequentialist approach.
  • A key Mohist principle is 'impartial concern', which states that one should show equal care and concern for all members of society, not just one's own family or in-group. This relates to their consequentialist approach in that Mohists believed individuals should act in ways that benefit the state and society as a whole, even if those actions go against personal interests or preferences. The principle of impartial concern reflects the Mohist view that the ultimate moral good is the collective welfare, rather than individual rights or loyalties. This contrasts with other ethical frameworks that may place greater emphasis on personal autonomy or the special obligations we have to family and friends.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of Mohist consequentialism compared to other prominent moral theories, such as Kantian deontology or virtue ethics.
  • A key strength of Mohist consequentialism is its focus on promoting the overall welfare and collective good of society, rather than just individual rights or preferences. This aligns with many people's moral intuitions that we have obligations to consider the broader impact of our actions. Additionally, the principle of 'impartial concern' encourages an expansive moral circle and equal consideration for all members of society. However, critics argue that Mohist consequentialism fails to adequately account for individual autonomy and the inherent rights of persons. It may also be challenged for potentially justifying the sacrifice of minority interests for the sake of the majority. Compared to deontological frameworks like Kantian ethics, Mohism lacks clear, universal moral rules. And versus virtue ethics, it does not place as much emphasis on the moral character of the agent. Overall, Mohist consequentialism represents a unique and influential approach, but has limitations that other moral theories may better address.

Related terms

Consequentialism: The ethical theory that the consequences of one's actions are the ultimate foundation and justification for any moral judgment about those actions.

Utilitarianism: A form of consequentialism that judges the morality of an action based on its ability to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

Impartial Concern: The Mohist principle that one should show equal concern and care for all members of society, rather than favoring one's own family or in-group.