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📜intro to political science review

Consequentialist

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

Definition

Consequentialism is a normative ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences. It holds that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the morality of that conduct.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Consequentialism is a teleological ethical theory, meaning it judges the morality of an action based on its outcome or end goal.
  2. Consequentialists believe that the consequences of one's actions are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the morality of that action.
  3. Consequentialists argue that the right action is the one that produces the best overall consequences, usually defined in terms of maximizing happiness or well-being.
  4. Consequentialism is contrasted with deontological ethics, which judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules.
  5. Consequentialism is a broad category that includes various ethical theories, such as utilitarianism, which focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being.

Review Questions

  • Explain how consequentialism differs from deontological ethics in its approach to judging the morality of actions.
    • Consequentialism judges the morality of an action based on its consequences or outcomes, while deontological ethics judges the morality of an action based on its adherence to a rule or set of rules. Consequentialists believe that the right action is the one that produces the best overall consequences, usually defined in terms of maximizing happiness or well-being. Deontologists, on the other hand, focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of the action itself, regardless of its consequences.
  • Analyze how consequentialism relates to the concept of utilitarianism and its focus on maximizing overall happiness or well-being.
    • Utilitarianism is a specific form of consequentialism that holds that the consequences of one's actions should be judged based on their ability to maximize overall happiness or well-being. Consequentialists generally believe that the right action is the one that produces the best overall consequences, but utilitarians take this a step further by defining the best consequences as those that maximize utility or happiness. This means that utilitarians would judge the morality of an action based on its ability to bring about the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
  • Evaluate the strengths and limitations of consequentialism as a normative ethical theory, particularly in the context of political decision-making.
    • One of the key strengths of consequentialism is its focus on the real-world impacts of actions, which can be particularly relevant in the context of political decision-making. Consequentialists argue that the morality of a political decision should be judged based on its ability to produce the best overall consequences for society, such as promoting the greatest good or well-being. However, consequentialism has been criticized for potentially justifying unethical actions if they lead to desirable outcomes, and for the difficulty in accurately predicting and measuring the consequences of complex political decisions. Additionally, consequentialism has been criticized for failing to account for the inherent rights or duties of individuals, which may be important considerations in political decision-making.