The primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist approaches to ethics.
Sample Solution
- Consequentialist and non-consequentialist are two major approaches to ethics. Consequentialist theories judge the morality of an action based on its consequences, while non-consequentialist theories judge the morality of an action based on other factors, such as the intentions behind the action or the duty to obey certain rules.
Full Answer Section
In other words, consequentialists believe that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences. They argue that we should always act in a way that produces the best possible consequences for everyone involved.
Non-consequentialists, on the other hand, believe that the rightness or wrongness of an action is not solely determined by its consequences. They argue that we should also consider other factors, such as the intentions behind the action or the duty to obey certain rules.
For example, a consequentialist might argue that it is always right to lie if it produces the best possible consequences. For example, if you are hiding a Jewish family from the Nazis, you might lie to the Nazis about their whereabouts.
A non-consequentialist, on the other hand, might argue that it is never right to lie, even if it produces the best possible consequences. They might argue that lying is always wrong because it violates the duty to be truthful.
- One of the major theories associated with consequentialism is utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is a theory that judges the morality of an action based on its utility, or its ability to produce happiness or pleasure and avoid pain or suffering.
The most famous utilitarian philosopher is Jeremy Bentham. Bentham argued that the right action is the one that produces the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
One objection to utilitarianism is that it can lead to morally questionable results. For example, utilitarianism could justify sacrificing one person to save the lives of many others.
Another objection to utilitarianism is that it is difficult to measure happiness or pleasure. How do we know how much happiness or pleasure an action will produce?
- One of the major theories associated with non-consequentialism is deontology. Deontology is a theory that judges the morality of an action based on the duty to obey certain rules.
The most famous deontological philosopher is Immanuel Kant. Kant argued that there are certain moral duties that we have, regardless of the consequences. For example, we have a duty to tell the truth and to keep our promises.
One objection to deontology is that it can lead to inflexible and impractical results. For example, if we have a duty to tell the truth, we might have to tell a lie that would save someone's life.
Another objection to deontology is that it is difficult to know what our moral duties are. What are the rules that we have to obey?