What does it mean to speak of utilitarianism as a consequentialist moral theory? ... As a consequentialist moral theory Utilitarianism holds that actions ought to be judged in terms of their consequences . As a teleological theory it directs us to look towards the ends of our actions, in this case their consequences.
Why is utilitarianism considered a consequentialist moral theory?
Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism because it rests on the idea that it is the consequences or results of actions, laws, policies, etc. that determine whether they are good or bad, right or wrong .
What is utilitarianism consequentialist theory?
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory focused on maximizing the overall good; the good of others as well as the good of one’s self . ... These utilitarians are hedonistic, meaning, their ideas of good are associated with pleasure or happiness.
What does it mean for a moral theory to be consequentialist?
Consequentialism is the view that morality is all about producing the right kinds of overall consequences . Here the phrase “overall consequences” of an action means everything the action brings about, including the action itself.
What is meant by the moral theory utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that advocates actions that foster happiness or pleasure and oppose actions that cause unhappiness or harm . ... Utilitarianism would say that an action is right if it results in the happiness of the greatest number of people in a society or a group.
How is consequentialism different from utilitarianism?
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist moral theory focused on maximizing the overall good; the good of others as well as the good of one’s self. ... One difference, however, is consequentialism does not specify a desired outcome , while utilitarianism specifies good as the desired outcome.
What is a consequentialist ethical theory quizlet?
Consequentialism refers to those moral theories which hold that the consequences of a particular action form the basis for any valid moral judgment about that action . From the standpoint of a consequentialist, a morally right action is one that produces a good outcome, or consequence.
What is consequentialist and Nonconsequentialist?
A consequentialist theory of value judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the consequences that action has . ... A non-consequentialist theory of value judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on properties intrinsic to the action, not on its consequences.
What are the key features of consequentialist theories?
- Whether an act is right or wrong depends only on the results of that act.
- The more good consequences an act produces, the better or more right that act.
How does act Consequentialism differ from other moral theories?
How does Consequentialism differ from other moral theories? Claims that the value of the consequences of actions the only moral relevant factor . ... thing while for RC moral rules determine whether or not you did the right thing.
Which is a consequentialist ethical framework?
In the Consequentialist framework, we focus on the future effects of the possible courses of action , considering the people who will be directly or indirectly affected. We ask about what outcomes are desirable in a given situation, and consider ethical conduct to be whatever will achieve the best consequences.
What is the relationship between consequentialism and situation ethics?
Situational ethics is a form of consequentialism (though distinct from utilitarianism in that the latter’s aim is “the greatest good for the greatest number”) that focuses on creating the greatest amount of love .
What would a consequentialist do?
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are . For instance, most people would agree that lying is wrong. ... Also, in certain situations, consequentialism can lead to decisions that are objectionable, even though the consequences are arguably good.
Which of the following best describes the overview of Kant’s moral philosophy?
Kant’s theory is an example of a deontological moral theory–according to these theories, the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences but on whether they fulfill our duty. Kant believed that there was a supreme principle of morality, and he referred to it as The Categorical Imperative .
What is the main principle of utilitarianism quizlet?
Basic moral principle of Utilitarianism; actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness .
Which of the following do most utilitarians believe determines the morality of actions?
Which of the following do most utilitarians believe determines the morality of actions? The actual consequences of the action . ... Moral rules can be helpful but can be broken if doing so is optimific.
How does rule consequentialism differ from Act consequentialism?
The act consequentialist differs from the rule consequentialist in thinking that every time an agent follows DP2 and yet fails to maximize the good, she acts wrongly . The rule consequentialist, by contrast, believes that it is often impermissible to break such rules even when doing so will maximize the good.
Which theory of ethics emphasizes the moral character of the individual quizlet?
Virtue Ethics (or Virtue Theory) is an approach to Ethics that emphasizes an individual’s character as the key element of ethical thinking, rather than rules about the acts themselves (Deontology) or their consequences (Consequentialism).
What is the difference between consequentialism and kantianism?
Concept of Consequentialism as ethical theory is based upon nature of consequences be it utility, welfare, or pleasure. Kantianism is based upon moral imperatives which are absolute . ii. Consequentialism may lead bad action to good consequences.
What is the difference between deontology and consequentialism?
Consequentialism and Deontological theories are two of the main theories in ethics. However, consequentialism focuses on judging the moral worth of the results of the actions and deontological ethics focuses on judging the actions themselves. Consequentialism focuses on the consequences or results of an action .
What are the strengths of consequentialism?
Consequentialism is an attractive ethical approach because it provides clear and practical guidance – at least in situations where outcomes are easy to predict. The theory is also impartial.
Which ethical theory is identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues or moral character?
Virtue ethics is currently one of three major approaches in normative ethics. It may, initially, be identified as the one that emphasizes the virtues, or moral character, in contrast to the approach that emphasizes duties or rules (deontology) or that emphasizes the consequences of actions (consequentialism).
What are the two main consequentialist theories?
The two main consequentialist theories considered here are egoism and utilitarianism . What are some of the key differences between consequentialist and deontological ethics? Consequentialist ethics judge an action as right or wrong on the basis of the outcome of an action.
What are non consequentialist theories?
Nonconsequentialism is a type of normative ethical theory that denies that the rightness or wrongness of our conduct is determined solely by the goodness or badness of the consequences of our acts or of the rules to which those acts conform.
What is the best known consequentialist theory?
Utilitarianism – best known consequentialist theory. Identify alternative actions and consequences to stakeholders. Best decision yields greatest net benefits to society. Worst decision yields greatest net harms to society.
What are Kantian principles?
Kant’s ethics are organized around the notion of a “categorical imperative ,” which is a universal ethical principle stating that one should always respect the humanity in others, and that one should only act in accordance with rules that could hold for everyone. ...
What does Fletcher mean by positivism?
Pragmatism — the action proposed must work in practice. Relativism — there are no fixed rules, but all decisions must be based on agape. ‘ Love relativises the absolute, it does not absolutise the relative.’ ( Joseph Fletcher) Positivism — using the principles of Christian love, a value judgement has to be made.
What is an example of a Universalizable act as a student?
‘ Do not kill’ or ‘Do not break promises’ or ‘Do not cheat’ might be examples of universalizable principles – they are judgments which everyone, it could be argued, should follow.
What are two of Kant’s important ideas about ethics?
What are two of Kant’s important ideas about ethics? One idea is universality, we should follow rules of behaviors that we can apply universally to everyone . and one must never treat people as a means to an end but as an end in themselves.
Is it possible to evaluate a moral theory rationally?
According to rights-based theory, sometimes it is not possible to respect all the fundamental moral rights of others. ... Timmons argues that there are standards by which we can rationally evaluate moral theories .
What does an absolutist believe?
Moral Absolutism is the ethical belief that there are absolute standards against which moral questions can be judged , and that certain actions are right or wrong, regardless of the context of the act.
