CONSEQUENTIALISM

utilitarianism
 Consequentialism is the ethical theory that
judges the moral character of an action by
the results of an action.

 Certain kind of act has a certain kind of

consequences, it is metaphysical necessity.
 Consequentialism claims:
 For any moral theory to be under the ambit of

consequentialism, it has to judge an action,

by the results or consequence of that action.
 Extrinsic moral theory
 Focuses on goal of an action
Non-consequentialism
 Whereas intrinsic moral actions are morally
good for what it is about and not for the
certain purpose.
 Non-consequentialism, on the other hand,

includes any theory that judges the moral

character of an action, independent of the
consequences of that action.
 Things or act which are valuable in itself can

fall under non-consequentialism.

Nature of consequentialism
 Consequentialism says that an action is
morally required just because it produces the
best overall results.
 Thus, consequentialism is not a single theory

but is rather a family of theories.

 We cannot discuss every theory here, we will

restrict our attention to its most prominent

version- UTILITARIANISM
UTILITARIANISM
 This view states that an act is morally
required if and only if it does more to
improve overall well-being than any other
action you could have done in the
circumstances.
 In philosophy this ultimate moral standard is

known as Principal of utility.

Benefits of Utilitarianism
 1. Doctrine of impartiality.
 2. Ability to justify our basic moral belief.
 3. It can offer concrete guidance where it is most
needed.
 4. It provides great moral flexibility. Only principle of
utility is absolute.
 5. Moral community imposes a duty on everyone else
to take one’s needs seriously, for one’s ownsake.
 Utilitarianism include non-human animals to
the moral community.
 Animals can suffer, therefore every animal
count.
 We are not allowed to ignore the suffering of
others.
Drawbacks
 1. Society does not solely focus on happiness
when making choices.
 2. The ends never really justify the means
when considering happiness.
 3. Outcomes are unpredictable when dealing
with the future.
 4. Happiness is something that is subjective.
Conclusion

 Consequentialism usually admire impartiality

but sometimes think that partiality is what
morality demands.
 It sometimes calls on to commit injustice. It

faces so many difficulties. Therefore we see

for the alternatives.