What is Consequentialism?
What is Consequentialism?
Introduction
Consequentialism is a concept dealing with morality and its related theories based on the consequences of a person's conduct. The judgment that is passed about that person is dependent on the morality of the conduct or the act. That is why, a morally correct act is believe to result in good outcome or consequences. This view is also referred to as aphorism or the ends justify the means.
Consequentialism is different from deontology (deriving right or wrong of a person's conduct from the type of behavior than the outcomes of the conduct) as well as from virtue ethics (focusing on the agents character than the nature of the act).
The different types of consequentialism depend on the consequences that are considered most as good. Utilitarianism is about a good action that results in increase in the level of pleasure and an action is rated as the best when the consequence is most pleasure. Eudaimonic consequentialism is about leading a full life which may not be equal to having to enjoy great amount of pleasure as a primary aim. Aesthetic consequentialism is about producing beauty as the ultimate aim.
The basic difference between these three types of morality lie more in the approach of moral dilemmas rather than the conclusion that is drawn.
Example
Let’s take an example that will explain consequentialism.
Taking into the various Corporate Social Responsibility activities that are done occasionally by the corporate houses, an example can be cited from there. A particular organization has decided to put in $100,000 to help the Tsunami struck citizens. The two approaches that are considered include:
a. invest the amount to generate job opportunities for the people and help in their income
b. invest in the relief work and generate fund for the food camps, thereby ensuring a rise in the fund and help in feeding the families that are in dire need of food
Three lessons from the example:
For both these policies, there will
Introduction
Consequentialism is a concept dealing with morality and its related theories based on the consequences of a person's conduct. The judgment that is passed about that person is dependent on the morality of the conduct or the act. That is why, a morally correct act is believe to result in good outcome or consequences. This view is also referred to as aphorism or the ends justify the means.
Consequentialism is different from deontology (deriving right or wrong of a person's conduct from the type of behavior than the outcomes of the conduct) as well as from virtue ethics (focusing on the agents character than the nature of the act).
The different types of consequentialism depend on the consequences that are considered most as good. Utilitarianism is about a good action that results in increase in the level of pleasure and an action is rated as the best when the consequence is most pleasure. Eudaimonic consequentialism is about leading a full life which may not be equal to having to enjoy great amount of pleasure as a primary aim. Aesthetic consequentialism is about producing beauty as the ultimate aim.
The basic difference between these three types of morality lie more in the approach of moral dilemmas rather than the conclusion that is drawn.
Example
Let’s take an example that will explain consequentialism.
Taking into the various Corporate Social Responsibility activities that are done occasionally by the corporate houses, an example can be cited from there. A particular organization has decided to put in $100,000 to help the Tsunami struck citizens. The two approaches that are considered include:
a. invest the amount to generate job opportunities for the people and help in their income
b. invest in the relief work and generate fund for the food camps, thereby ensuring a rise in the fund and help in feeding the families that are in dire need of food
Three lessons from the example:
For both these policies, there will