Consequentialism

Abstract Consequentialism, broadly speaking, is a normative ethical theory that holds that the moral quality of an action, character trait, or intention is completely a function of the value of the consequences produced by the action, character trait, or intention. Some consequentialist theories of right action hold that the relevant consequences may be generated indirectly, via an agent’s adherence to a set of rules, for example, that generate the good consequences. These theories have two main parts: the part of the theory specifying the value and the part of the theory specifying the approach to value. For example, the classical utilitarians held that hedonism was the correct theory of value so that the value of the consequences should be understood in terms of pleasure or pain generated by the action. They are further generally understood as advocating maximization of value. This chapter explores some differing versions of consequentialist approaches as well problems associated with this theory.