Consequentialism Study Notes

Introduction to Consequentialism

  • Definition: Consequentialism is a normative ethical theory that focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions to determine their moral worth.

Key Example

  • Scenario: While driving to work, you witness a person hit by a car.
    • Options:
    • Help without stealing
    • Steal without helping
    • Help despite stealing
    • Leave without either helping or stealing
  • Moral Dilemma: The example raises the question of what the morally right action is under the circumstances.

Normalizing the Question of Morality

  • Philosophical Structure: An action 'a' is deemed morally right contingent upon specific conditions which can be articulated through the consequences of 'a'.
    • This contrasts with other ethical theories that may prioritize self-interest or moral duties instead of outcomes.
  • Consequences Matter:
    • The moral relevance of consequences is highlighted through examples:
    • Pulling the trigger of a gun aimed at a person has morally significant consequences.
    • Donating money or helping someone in distress demonstrates the importance of action-derived outcomes.

Fundamental Principle of Consequentialism

  • Core Idea: The morally right action is that which results in the best overall consequences.
    • Example of heart attack: Choosing to assist hinges on evaluating life-saving outcomes versus the consequences of inaction.

The Consequentialist Account of Right Action

  • Formulation: An action 'a' is morally right if its consequences promote what is good more than alternative actions.
  • Evaluation of Options: In the aforementioned scenario, one must analyze which option leads to the greatest promotion of good.

Defining ‘Good’ in Consequentialism

  • Complexity in Definition: What constitutes “good” significantly influences the right action. For example:
    • If suffering is deemed good, not helping might be the right action.
    • If happiness and survival are viewed as good, providing help is prioritized.
  • Philosophers’ Perspectives on Good:
    • Well-being
    • Happiness
    • Pleasure

John Stuart Mill and His Theory

  • Overview: John Stuart Mill is an advocate for consequentialism, aligning goodness with happiness.
  • Definition of Happiness: Happiness consists of the presence of pleasure combined with the absence of pain.
    • Not solely pleasure or absence of pain, but rather their combination is essential to understanding happiness.
    • Example: Enjoying chocolate while experiencing tooth pain still qualifies as happiness, though not optimal.

Argument for Happiness as Intrinsic Good

  1. Premise: Happiness is the only intrinsic good.
    • Intrinsic Goods: Good in itself, valued for its own sake.
    • Contrast with Extrinsic Goods: Good only as a means to achieving something else.
  2. Examples of Instrumental Goods:
    • Money is valued only for what it can procure, such as happiness.
    • Painkillers provide relief (absence of pain) but are not good in isolation.
  3. Conclusion: If happiness is the only intrinsic good, it must be understood as the fundamental concept of "good".

Application of Mill's Theory in the Example

  • Judging Right Action: The right choice in the initial scenario depends on the action that optimally promotes happiness.
  • Critical Thinking: Students should engage in reasoning to analyze which action is morally right based on the outcomes.

Summary of Consequentialism

  • Clarification: Consequentialism defines morality strictly based on the repercussions of actions.
  • Distinction: Mill's adaptation sometimes referred to as utilitarianism, highlights happiness’s role as a measure of good.
  • Future Discussion: Anticipated exploration of potential problems associated with consequentialism.