Consequentialism-Ethics Defined

Definition: Consequentialism is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its outcomes or results.
- It asserts that the rightness or wrongness of actions is determined by their consequences.
- Example: While lying is generally considered immoral, under consequentialism, it could be deemed acceptable if it serves to save a person's life.

Utilitarianism:
- Definition: A form of consequentialism that assesses actions based on the principle of promoting the greatest good for the greatest number of people.
- Key Idea: The moral rightness of an action is determined by how well it maximizes overall happiness or utility.
Hedonism:
- Definition: A variant of consequentialism that identifies actions as “good” if they result in pleasure or help avoid pain.
- Key Idea: Happiness and pleasure are the ultimate values to be pursued in ethical decision making.

Knowledge of Consequences:
- Challenge: It is often difficult or even impossible to predict the outcomes of actions in advance.
- Assertion: Certainty regarding future consequences is unattainable, leading to potential moral dilemmas.
Objectionable Outcomes:
- Issue: Consequentialism may justify actions that are intuitively objectionable if they yield seemingly beneficial outcomes.
- Example Scenario:
- Hypothetical situation: Economists suggest that the world economy would be enhanced, resulting in increased happiness, health, and wealth for most people, if 2% of the population were enslaved.
- Moral Conflict: Although the perceived benefits would be significant for the majority, moral intuitions strongly oppose the concept of enslavement.
- Conclusion: Classic consequentialism's perspective that "the end justifies the means" can lead to ethically troubling justifications.