| consequentialist
ethical theories
Generally, a normative
approach to morality that views what should be done as determined
by consequences. The most common ethical/philosophical expressions
are utilitarianism in its various flavors (see below). More
rarely, consequentialist ethical theories can be merely descriptive
in character -- that is, a view of how morality is derived,
desirability issues aside.
Consequentialist
theories are sometimes also labeled "teleological theories."
Act utilitarianism
posits that the principle of utility is -- or ought to be
-- applied to particular acts in particular circumstances.
An act or action is right insofar as it produces or leads
to the maximization of good outcomes (utility). An act utilitarian
justifies actions simply by direct appeal to the principle
of utility in each case.
Rule utilitarianism,
by contrast, claims that the principle of utility is (or ought
to be) the source of rules of conduct, and that such rules
determine whether particular acts are right or wrong. Rules
justified by their general utilitarian consequences may nonetheless
require actions that do not maximize utility in particular
circumstances. The rationale is that, despite such cases,
overall utility is maximized by a rule-following system, compared
to the alternative of having individuals decide on conduct
in particular circumstances.
Human beings have
a notoriously difficult time being impartial about utility
(or anything else) in matters involving their self-interest.
Rules have the virtue of imposing a degree of "objectivity"
by virtue of their inflexibility in the latter view. Consistency
requires that rules be applied in the same way to relevantly
similar circumstances. Unfortunately, what is relevantly similar
is not always clear. Also, blanket application of rules can,
in particularly unusual circumstances that the rules did not
anticipate, seem quite wrong.
See also:
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