Question

In your own words, describe the primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist approaches to ethics. Choose one of the major theories associated with consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory? Choose one of the major theories associated with non-consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory?

Answer 1

Consequentialism

Consequentialist theory suggests that an action is good or bad depending on its outcome. According to this theory, an action is good means it brings about more benefit than harm, while an action that causes more harm than benefit is considered as bad.

Nonconsequentialism

Nonconsequentialism is a 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. The right and wrong are determined by more than consequences of an action.

Theories

One of the major theory associated with consequentialism is Utilitarianism.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist l theory that focused on maximizing the overall good (the good of others as well as the good of one’s self). The notable philosophers associated with utilitarianism are Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

Objection

• Utilitarianism suggested that the people should always act in order to maximize happiness. The people to be always motivated to promote the general happiness.
• · We do not have the time to calculate the effects of our actions on the general happiness.
• · It requires that we know what the consequences of our actions will be, but this is impossible. We can’t predict the future.
• · It can justify making decisions that violate a person’s human rights. What may be considered good for some people can violate rights of others.
• It requires an impartial decision maker.

One of the major theory associated with nonconsequentialism is deontological ethical theory.

Deontological ethical theory

Deontological theory suggests that logical priority to particular moral judgments, rather than to rules or principles. It suggests that actions are good or bad according to a clear set of rules. This name comes from the Greek word deon, meaning duty. Actions that obey these set of rules are ethical, while actions that do not, are not ethical. This theory is most closely associated with German philosopher, Immanuel Kant

Objection

The main objection is that different societies have their own ethical standard and set of distinct laws. It is difficult to follow universal law.