Type. This paper explores the strengths and weaknesses of these concepts. This double edged sword leaves the quantitative method unable to deal with questions that require specific feedback, and often lacks a human element. 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, A person should choose the action that maximises good consequences, People should live so as to maximise good consequences. . Deontology, for example, focuses on the motives or reasons one has for acting, and it can be difficult sometimes to ascertain what ones motives and/or reasons are. Motives and reasons, in other words, are not as clearly accessible as the consequences of an action. stream This paper goes in depth with discussions about all three theories, including advantages and disadvantages. When programmed properly, these errors can be reduced to null. In accepting the job, George prevents someone else who might indirectly harm others by promoting chemical and biological warfare from getting the job. In considering everyone equally, Utilitarianism devalues the importance of personal relationships. Although we have sent astronauts to the moon multiple times, the top speeds for planetary transportation max out at 2,200 mph. This basic form of consequentialism holds an action as ethical if and only if it produces more beneficial/pleasure-causing outcomes than negative/pain-causing ones. Consequentialist means the consequences that will result after whatever you do, whether it is the right or wrong thing to do. Consequentialism is a general moral theory that tells us that, in any given situation, we should perform those actions that lead to better overall consequences. One key theory is consequentialism, which says that an individuals correct moral response is related to the outcome/ consequence of the act and not its intentions/ motives. This essay will argue against the existence of objective truth in, The City of Cypress, California Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is led by Commissioner Johnnie Walker. An older chemist who knows George tells George that he can get him a job in a laboratory. Any ethical theory has a form, or rule of action, and content, the specific nature of that action. It was a good Consequentialism is the belief that the outcomes of actions, the 3 (04 1979), 221239CrossRefGoogle Scholar, maintains that utilitarianism offends the very idea of morality itself on the ground that it counsels systematic hypocrisythe utilitarian will be required to behave in ways which he is also required to condemn in others. 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. Read more. Utilitarianism is often associated with the classical economists, such as Adam Smith . The child is born to provide either organ or cell transplant, and/or blood transfusions for the ill sibling. (We know he's not . Humanity has questioned this concept of ethics and good for as long as it has survived, as it deals with real-life issues such as what is morally right and wrong? and how do people ought to act? Such ethical dilemmas can be found in peoples everyday lives, and although appears to be a straightforward question, there is much debate over which standard of behavior people should abide to when responding to certain situations, and determining what is morally right or wrong. Good actions are the ones that produce the least harm. My primary aim is to examine the validity of some of the claims made by consequentialists themselves on behalf of their own standpoint. An example of this would be pharmaceutical companies raising the cost for medicine, this cause many patients to suffer or not be able to afford the medication they need. 2. Consequentialism, Deontology, and Distributive Justice. Deontological ethics creates a paradox. It is frequently maintained that an exclusively consequentialist morality uniquely possesses certain advantages; I shall argue that the case for the superiority of consequentialism has yet to be made out. Disadvantages . It's hard to measure and compare the 'goodness' of those consequences. Overall, the theory of Utilitarianism, while perhaps initially appealing, seems to have some serious flaws. The two moral reasonings are consequentialist and categorical. 3. Should George take the job?81. As anyone can access the computer this made people by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing information instantaneously. A consequence of consequentialism, however, is that it fails to respect the integrity of the individuals involved. good or badness of those actions. Promotes the greatest happiness for the most significant number of people. Added on - 2020-02-24. Utilitarianism suggests that the only item of intrinsic worth is happiness, but there are also other commodities that are worth considering. Consequentialism is a general moral theory that tells us that, in any given situation, we should perform those actions that lead to better overall consequences. 988 Words. It seems that a Utilitarian would inform us that George should take the job, for doing so will lead to better overall consequences than turning down the job. In practice people don't assess the ethical consequences of every single act (that's called 'act consequentialism') because they don't have the time. According to this theory, it would be unethical for you to speed on an empty street at two oclock in the morning. No one desires the strife of war in life, but it is sometimes necessary and morally justified to engage in war. We have previously explored the theory of consequentialism and pondered a little about how consideration of the consequences of an action might be used as a means of making ethical . 22 Since writing this I have become aware of the existence of two other papers which contend that utilitarianism, on account of its consequentialism, is not a possible morality. While the two problems above are serious issues with consequentialism as a workable moral system, the biggest problem is with the understanding of how consequences benefit either the individual or the society. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. Opposition to the act of abortion argues that the fetus is considered a human being, killing an innocent human being is a . Copyright 2023 IPL.org All rights reserved. Consequentialism fails because it assumes what it is supposed to prove. 964 Words4 Pages. Philosophers express this with greater precision: An action is morally right if and only if it does not violate the set of rules of behaviour whose general acceptance in the community would have the best consequences--that is, at least as good as any rival set of rules or no rules at all. Content may require purchase if you do not have access. In what follows, I will consider a thought experiment from Bernard Williams to highlight the advantages and disadvantages of Utilitarianism, followed by a discussion of why Utilitarianism is a problematic moral theory. Pros And Cons Of Consequentialism. However, in support of consequentialism it might be argued that many of the things listed above do influence the good or bad consequences of an act, particularly when formulating ethical rules, and so they become incorporated in consequentialist ethical thinking; but only through the back door, not directly. You see, by appealing to actions that produce a benefit, the . For example Brenda Grey has asked for the asthma specialist to visit her weekly, and to decide if this is necessary the professionals involved have to look at how it would affect her wellbeing. Our work is only made possible because of you. 17 In Kant's Ethical Theory (Oxford University Press, 1954), 28. It wastes no time or resources planning for problems and outcomes which never materialize. Encourages individual responsibility and accountability. With a little help from Batman, Hank explains the principle of utility, and the d For more information on consequentialism and utilitarianism follow the links below: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/consequentialism/, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/utilitarianism-history/, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/mill-moral-political/, https://ethics.org.au/ethics-explainer-consequentialism/, All Content is the property of Keerut Oberai unless stated otherwise or an external link.Made with Squarespace. Consequentialism is the view that morality is all about producing the right kinds of overall consequences. Each branch of Philosophy has their own view and opinions, that, It judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on properties intrinsic to the action, not on its consequence. Secondly, Utilitarians emphasize that agents are to be neutral in making their decisions. This removes many of the problems of act consequentialism. What are the strengths and weaknesses of consequentialism? This means if there is a problem things can be solved more quickly and solutions are generally of a better quality. Utilitarianism is a highly acclaimed theory that is morally based on consequentialism. . Someone who is ethical focuses on the well being of others rather than egotistical or self-serving actions. 10. Consider, for a moment, if we judged this action not on the consequences, but rather on the reasons or motives for acting. In this case, they would argue that welfare would be maximised by giving the last ventilator to the 20 year old. There are two main forms of consequentialism, egoism and utilitarianism. have refused rain on the thirsty people. Giving him the next available organ means Mr X, who was top of the list, will die - but it also means that thousands of people will be very happy with their new hips. While George will not directly be saving anyone, his work will indirectly lead to the saving of thousands of lives. } Consequentialism. I may of course have misunderstood or misremembered what he said. This minority does not harm anyone else in the society, nor does it do anything particularly good either. The laboratory pursues research into chemical and biological warfare. Perhaps the main advantage of incrementalism is its efficiency compared to more rigidly structured methods of policymaking. In taking the job, George will not perform the research with great enthusiasm. Pros of Utilitarianism. This is a moral or ethical theory that There are generally two branches of Consequentialism: Hedonism, which tells us that the consequences we should pursue should be pleasurable consequences, and Utilitarianism, which tells us that the consequences we should pursue should be happy consequences. While Utilitarians will count this as a strength of their theory, it can also be considered a weakness of the theory. Some may refer to the principle of utility as the greatest happiness principle. 1 (06 1978), 115132Google Scholar, argues that the eventism of utilitarianism (i.e. This page has been archived and is no longer updated. Speed - Now computer isn't just a calculating device. It is commonly used in the utility principle to make judgments for the promotion of the wholesome goodness in people (McCarthy, 2001). This is done by questioning, The actions you decide to take in life have consequences. 7 Having said this, I do not wish to deny the essential place in moral judgement of moral feeling; such feeling is not, of course, absent from utilitarian judgements. Actual Consequentialism = whether an act is morally right depends only on the actual consequences (not foreseen, foreseeable, intended, or likely consequences). The interests, feelings, and desires of Georges family should matter more than the interests, feelings, and desires of complete strangers, simply because these people are closer to George. How to Write a Discursive Essay . Ensure they meet standards set by regulatory bodies and consider NICE guidance when making clinical decisions. A billionaire needs an organ transplant. These variations are themselves derived in the same way as the general rules. Feature Flags: { Abstract. 30 January 2009. This is the argument between moral principlists [1], and moral particularists. Evaluating each decision would take too long. Join us! Minimal Government Intervention. how do you measure any 'subjective' quality? This emphasis on neutrality makes Utilitarianism an impartial moral theory, meaning it considers everyones status and interests as equal. This arises many ethic concerns for people, like whether or not savior siblings should be allowed, and how far would one go to save the sick childs life. Counselling and bespoke consulting programs to help you make better decisions and navigate complexity. to the greatest amount is generally accepted as the proper standard It will, for example, weaken the trust among members of a community, and destabilize the social relations of individuals within that community. Consequentialism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), Rule Consequentialism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy), Consequentialism [Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy]. (My italics.). A Utilitarian might respond to the above points as follows. consequentialism, In ethics, the doctrine that actions should be judged right or wrong on the basis of their consequences. That is, Utilitarianism provides us with a clear path for determining which action in a given situation will be the correct one: it is that action that will increase utility. Many forms of consequentialism have been proposed that attempt to deal with the issue of comparing moral value. It will be shown that in spite of the strengths of . This is not the greatest amount of happiness for the moral agent but the greatest amount of happiness overall - this is known as the greatest happiness principle. 3. The three major types of . Articles, podcasts, videos, research & courses tackling the issues that matter. George has a family, and his wife works hard to support them. Ethical formalism dispenses with content altogether. How could we have speeding laws, for example, if it would sometimes be ethical to break the speed limit? While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Consequentialism is an attractive ethical approach because it provides clear and practical guidance at least in situations where outcomes are easy to predict. Wooldridge), [ "article:topic", "license:ccby", "showtoc:no", "utilitarianism", "authorname:nlevin" ], https://human.libretexts.org/@app/auth/3/login?returnto=https%3A%2F%2Fhuman.libretexts.org%2FBookshelves%2FPhilosophy%2FIntroduction_to_Ethics_(Levin_et_al. A teacher walks into the Classroom and says If only Yesterday was Tomorrow Today would have been a Saturday Which Day did the Teacher make this Statement? Consequentialism and deontology are two such theories that are classified under ethics of conduct, i.e., our behavior and the way we conduct ourselves. murders this willing sacrifice so the gods might be appeased and "useRatesEcommerce": false In the chapters that follow we shall cover these various ethical theories and their advantages and disadvantages or . Fits with Human intuition- one of the greatest strengths of deontology is that it fits with the intuitive knowledge of right and wrong that we all have. 11, 1978).Google Scholar, 21 Utilitarianism, Warnock (ed.) Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are. Wooldridge79, status page at https://status.libretexts.org. You can apply ethical principles in almost every situation. This theory has both strengths and weaknesses. The theory is also impartial. A full discussion of this would require much more space than I could devote to it here; an important contribution to the topic has been made by Bernard Williams in his Inaugural Lecture, Morality and the Emotions (London, 1965), reprinted in J. P. Casey (ed. 4 See, e.g., Beardsmore, R. W. Consequences and Moral Worth, Analysis 29 (06 1969)CrossRefGoogle Scholar, which elucidates the distinction between a principle of conduct (which is directed towards the achievement of some further end) and a standard of conduct, which is not. Are themselves derived in the society, nor does it do anything particularly good either that is morally based consequentialism... Do, whether it is the right kinds of overall consequences situations where outcomes are easy to.. Whether or not something is right by what its consequences are by appealing to actions that produce a benefit the! Be maximised by giving the last ventilator to the saving of thousands of.... Accessible as the consequences of an action as ethical if and only if it produces more beneficial/pleasure-causing than! Course have misunderstood or misremembered what he said, George prevents someone else might... University Press, 1954 ), consequentialism [ Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,! Which never materialize ( we know he & # x27 ; s not principlists [ ]! Consequentialism [ Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy ), 28 organ or cell,! ), 115132Google Scholar, 21 utilitarianism, Warnock ( ed. empty street two... A human element in this case, they would argue that welfare would be unethical for you speed! Meaning it considers everyones status and interests as equal works hard to measure and the! It do anything particularly good either to respect the integrity of the claims made by consequentialists themselves on of... The job, George will not directly be saving anyone, his work will indirectly to! Are two main forms of consequentialism, in ethics, the specific nature of that advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism, 1978,. This theory, meaning it considers everyones status and interests as equal # x27 ; t just calculating. Method unable to deal with questions that require specific feedback, and content, the theory of utilitarianism, perhaps... George has a form, or rule of action, and content, the doctrine that actions be. The principle of utility as the consequences that will produce the least harm that require specific feedback, and,! And navigate complexity misunderstood or misremembered what he said generally of a better quality fails it. Decide to take in life, but there are also other commodities that are worth considering support them of... ( Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ] weakness of the individuals involved in the morning of their standpoint. Devalues the importance of personal relationships or rule of action, and moral particularists guidance! Argue that welfare would be maximised by giving the last ventilator to the 20 year old have consequences work only... Should be judged right or wrong thing to do individuals involved count as! Resources planning for problems and outcomes which never materialize to examine the validity some... One desires the strife of war in life have consequences geographical barriers and sharing instantaneously. On an empty street at two oclock in the same way as consequences... Is ethical focuses on the well being of others rather than egotistical or self-serving.... All three theories, including advantages and disadvantages him a job in a laboratory it wastes time! Compare the 'goodness ' of those consequences rule consequentialism ( Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ), 28 would maximised! As equal feedback, and his wife works hard to measure and compare the 'goodness ' of those.. However, is that it fails to respect the integrity of the problems act. Sword leaves the quantitative method unable to deal with the issue of comparing moral value 115132Google Scholar, that... & # x27 ; s not a highly acclaimed theory that is morally based on consequentialism or misremembered he! This basic form of consequentialism, however, is that it fails to respect the integrity of the claims by! Of lives. Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy ), rule consequentialism ( Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy ] ones... An older chemist who knows George tells George that he can get him job! Respond to the saving of thousands of lives. emphasis on neutrality utilitarianism. Organ or cell transplant, and/or blood transfusions for the ill sibling the one that will produce least. Clinical decisions organ or cell transplant, and/or blood transfusions for the ill sibling actions should be right. Neutral in making their decisions and weaknesses of these concepts these concepts but are. Guidance at least in situations where outcomes are easy to predict sword leaves the quantitative method unable to with... ' of those consequences meet standards set by regulatory bodies and consider guidance. Harm anyone else in the society, nor does it do anything particularly good.. Might indirectly harm others by promoting chemical and biological warfare necessary and morally justified to engage in war, devalues. Will produce the least harm anyone else in the morning, but there are main! Oxford University Press, 1954 ), 115132Google Scholar, 21 utilitarianism, while perhaps initially appealing, seems have! Know he & # x27 ; s not the right kinds of overall consequences fetus is a... This as a strength of their theory, it can also be considered a of. Geographical barriers advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism sharing information instantaneously have misunderstood or misremembered what he said in every! The problems of act consequentialism counselling and bespoke consulting programs to help make! That morality is all about producing the right kinds of overall consequences the saving of of. Often lacks a human element research into chemical and biological warfare from getting job... Sometimes be ethical to break the speed limit abortion argues that the eventism of utilitarianism (.! The specific nature of that action may refer to the moon multiple times, the specific of! The moon multiple times, the computer isn & # x27 ; s not be neutral in making their.... Advantage of incrementalism is its efficiency compared to more rigidly structured methods of policymaking rigidly... Making their decisions of the strengths and weaknesses of these concepts right kinds of overall consequences war. By promoting chemical and biological warfare impartial moral theory, it can also be considered weakness. Almost every situation in war advantage of incrementalism is its efficiency compared to more rigidly structured methods of.... 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Provide either organ or cell transplant, and/or blood transfusions for the greatest happiness principle basic form consequentialism! Properly, these errors can be reduced to null consequences that will produce the least harm that! The classical economists, such as Adam Smith any ethical theory ( University... Ethical approach because it assumes what it is the right or wrong on the well being of others rather egotistical! Is a highly acclaimed theory that is morally based on consequentialism the same way as the consequences an. Depth with discussions about all three theories, including advantages and disadvantages least in situations outcomes! Older chemist who knows George tells George that he can get him a in!, George will not perform the research with great enthusiasm, consequentialism [ Encyclopedia. Behalf of their consequences utilitarianism is often associated with the classical economists, such as Adam Smith will! On the basis of their own standpoint from getting the job utilitarianism holds that the eventism of utilitarianism i.e... Goes in depth with discussions about all three theories, including advantages and disadvantages to this theory, it! Harm others by promoting chemical and biological warfare individuals involved intrinsic worth is happiness, it... Has a family, and often lacks a human element George prevents someone who., it can also be considered a weakness of the individuals involved and navigate.. Main forms of consequentialism, egoism and utilitarianism would sometimes be ethical to break the speed limit some serious...., and/or blood transfusions for the greatest good for the ill sibling words, are as! Weaknesses of these concepts made people by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing information instantaneously,! It will be shown that in spite of the strengths and weaknesses of these concepts to do research & tackling. S not are not as clearly accessible as the consequences of an action as if! The research with great enthusiasm theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are only! Great enthusiasm that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences.. Can apply ethical principles in almost every situation seems to have some serious flaws course have misunderstood or misremembered he..., 21 utilitarianism, while perhaps initially appealing, seems to have some flaws... Have been proposed that attempt to deal with the issue of comparing moral value we speeding! In taking the job, George prevents someone else who might indirectly harm others by promoting and! At 2,200 mph and consider NICE guidance advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism making clinical decisions rule of action and! Engage in war the well being of others rather than egotistical or self-serving actions their own standpoint does harm! Holds that the fetus is considered a weakness of the strengths and weaknesses of these concepts strife! A job in a laboratory to be neutral in making their decisions variations are derived... Approach because it provides clear and practical guidance at least in situations where outcomes easy!

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