advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism

Any ethical theory has a form, or rule of action, and content, the specific nature of that action. <> In the racial minority case, while removing the minority might lead to better consequences in the short term, it will lead to worse consequences in the long term. Are these benefits enough to convince you that it is an incorrect moral theory we should follow? The lack of respect for the integrity of the individual is raised by Bernard Williams' famous 'Jim and the . Abortion is divided into two, namely done artificially or spontaneously. Decent Essays. If happiness was the experience of pleasure without pain, the most ethical actions were ones that caused the most possible happiness and the least possible pain. Consequentialism is based on two principles: 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 good topical example - arguably - is Trump's withdrawal of US troops from Kurdish-held areas of Syria. In the chapters that follow we shall cover these various ethical theories and their advantages and disadvantages or . 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 . 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. There is not, however, a general consensus on what human flourishing is or how best to achieve it. The oppressor, obviously, retaliates with ever more repressive measures to crush the minority by force. In some cases, Utilitarianism might sanction morally evil actions in order to achieve morally desirable consequences. Particularly in Italy, where the death toll and strain on hospitals has reached a critical point, there is a policy now to prioritise treating younger patients and healthcare workers. Suppose, for instance, that Georges wife and children, like George, were also against chemical and biological warfare. Williams is not clear on whether George will actively sabotage the research, but it can be reasonably assumed that if George takes the job, he will perform his duties in such a way that will minimize the impact that chemical and biological research will have on developing weapons for war. This is done by questioning, The actions you decide to take in life have consequences. Act Utilitarianism is a belief in which, an individuals actions are moral as long as the actions produce the greatest outcome possible. 16 See, e.g., Williams, Bernard, Ethical Consistency, Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society Suppl. Consequentialism says that right or wrong depend on the consequences of an act, and that the more good consequences are produced, the better the act. While George will not directly be saving anyone, his work will indirectly lead to the saving of thousands of lives. people don't agree on what should be assessed in calculating good consequences. We call this theory consequentialism. In our text book, Ethical Reasoning, it states that in consequentialism, consequences count, not motives or intentions (Pence, 2011). Any consequentialist ethical theory has to provide a justification of how we decide which consequences are good or bad. George has recently completed his PhD in Chemistry, and, like any other PhD candidate, finds it extremely difficult to land a job after completing his degree. Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that advocates for the maximization of happiness and pleasure. }N~ V6W|YWUr'wYM$/O~\NuQ|Y.wEZZoxsp^^0O}^2V2Q+D:Wos&YoP,Y?g,G@-~WUCu}vUauUjHma>u"^i^Ok'+o.Ir~(&o:Z@,O}[.Ti7TZ(G;nFRh O_B~D]`w$B*@{Gdl1 1:Dd9>1_X=l{tH2G,| g=c|2THA1BNp\X|G8Tszw"|goQ~O04g2K1gFP6-#]wmZ;(~jeysk*{tFBWa* ip$ W9r$g\q|+ed:WHyz3;hXi4lZ[#Lwb^%sK'L:Kj==_je]mW[,-$wY]1b3u? Categorical moral reasoning locates morality in certain duties and rights. 0:00 - Intro0:33 - Advantages of Utilitarianism4:07 - Weaknesses of Utilitarianism7:40 - Conclusion At an initial glance, Utilitarianism seems as if it would be a superior way to live a life full of good will, as it is focused on doing the most. Counselling and bespoke consulting programs to help you make better decisions and navigate complexity. While these reasons might be noble ones, we cannot be clear on whether these are actually the motives/reasons that George has. As anyone can access the computer this made people by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing information instantaneously. What are the disadvantages of shielding a thermometer? The most famous version of this theory is utilitarianism. Cultural Relativism has a perception in which rightness or wrongness of an action depends entirely within the bounds of the culture. In response to this, a Utilitarian might adopt a rule, the general following of which will lead to better long-term consequences. But in the long run, it might lead to bad consequences. Pros And Cons Of Consequentialism. How to Write a Discursive Essay . Let us take the example of a minority being oppressed in a country. For example, if George takes the job, this might lead to good consequences in the immediate future. 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. But this seems wrong, mainly because removing the minority from society would involve what many people take to be morally evil actions, which is another problem with Utilitarianism. The laboratory pursues research into chemical and biological warfare. Ethics applies to everyday life and is a key part in all law enforcement decision making. The consequences are of greater priority than the act itself. Consequentialism. George, however, is opposed to chemical and biological warfare, and he therefore cannot accept the job. Instead they use ethical rules that are derived from considering the general consequences of particular types of acts. have refused rain on the thirsty people. If all we are concerned with is getting good outcomes, this can seem to justify harming some people in order to benefit others. In moral or ethical philosophies the greatest good 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. by which to judge an action. Feature Flags: { 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. This is because all things being equal they will live longer and may contribute more to society over a longer period of time. Consequentialism is based more around the consequence and final result of the actions. The focus of this paper will be on Utilitarianism, as this is undoubtedly the most popular form of consequentialist theories. belief is that it does little to inform the person acting on what Consequentialism and deontology form part of the common approaches to moral thought. 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. Photo: Liz Fagoli, We cannot predict every outcome of an event. The paragraphs below explain the differences between these three theories with examples. Its chief virtue as a position seems to be that it permits materialists to explain human, ethical behavior entirely in terms of social interaction; no external source of morality appea. The weaknesses tend to outweigh the strengths since the theory does not account for most of the things hence it leaves many questions unanswered. Simple forms of consequentialism say that the best action is the one that produces the largest total of happiness. Mill viewed the greatest happiness principle as the cornerstone of morals, he, On the other hand, Utilitarianism, a consequentialist theory, stems from the idea that every morally correct action will produce the greatest amount of good for the greatest amount of people. What are the drawbacks of Utilitarianism? Consequentialism can After a brief introduction to the problem, two key principlist positions, Kantian deontology and Utilitarianism, will be explored along with particularism to find the strengths and weaknesses of these positions. By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. Theories of Ethics, (Oxford University Press, 1967). Utilitarianism is one of the forms of consequentialism that states that everything has a consequence. He is also the overseer of all eminent domain cases within the city however he has never dealt with such a case until now. Other forms of consequentialism take a more subtle approach; for example stating that people should maximise the satisfaction of their fully informed and rational preferences. 1. Advantages and Disadvantages . Finally, Mill also claims that happiness is the only thing that is desirable in itself as an end. When we focus on the long-term consequences of the above cases, the Utilitarian answer will change. 18 The Leslie Stephen Lecture (Cambridge University Press, 1972), reprinted in S. Hampshire (ed. The concept of ethics entails systemizing, justifying, and recommending right and wrong conduct. Whenever we are faced with a decision, an act consequentialist will expect us to ask that question. However, despite these efforts, the oppressing side ignores the foreign powers efforts. This means if there is a problem things can be solved more quickly and solutions are generally of a better quality. It might involve, for example, removing them from society by forcing them to leave the society. 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. Is it ethical to allow some people to suffer so more people can live well? It is the only moral framework that can be used to justify military force or war. )%2F04%253A_Happiness%2F4.03%253A_Utilitarianism-_Pros_and_Cons_(B.M._Wooldridge), \( \newcommand{\vecs}[1]{\overset { \scriptstyle \rightharpoonup} {\mathbf{#1}}}\) \( \newcommand{\vecd}[1]{\overset{-\!-\!\rightharpoonup}{\vphantom{a}\smash{#1}}} \)\(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \(\newcommand{\id}{\mathrm{id}}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\) \( \newcommand{\kernel}{\mathrm{null}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\range}{\mathrm{range}\,}\) \( \newcommand{\RealPart}{\mathrm{Re}}\) \( \newcommand{\ImaginaryPart}{\mathrm{Im}}\) \( \newcommand{\Argument}{\mathrm{Arg}}\) \( \newcommand{\norm}[1]{\| #1 \|}\) \( \newcommand{\inner}[2]{\langle #1, #2 \rangle}\) \( \newcommand{\Span}{\mathrm{span}}\)\(\newcommand{\AA}{\unicode[.8,0]{x212B}}\), 4.4: Existentialism, Genetic Engineering, and the Meaning of Life - The Fifths (Noah Levin), 21 Utilitarianism: Pros and ConsB.M. The idea here is this: sometimes, in working to achieve the greatest overall consequences, individuals will be forced to do bad things, and these bad things, even if they increase happiness, are still bad. The consequences of an action, however, do provide us with a clear criterion for what counts as a morally good action. 497 - 516. Consequentialism = whether an act is morally right depends only on consequences (not circumstances, the intrinsic nature of the act, or anything that happens before the act). Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.orgor check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. 1. Deontologists need their own, non-consequentialist model of rationality, one that is a viable alternative to the intuitively plausible "act-to-produce-the-best-consequences" model of rationality that motivates consequentialist theories. Articles, podcasts, videos, research & courses tackling the issues that matter. Utilitarianism suggests that the only item of intrinsic worth is happiness, but there are also other commodities that are worth considering. He says that act-Utilitarianism is the idea that the rightness of an action depends on the total goodness of an actions consequences. } Instead, Mill believed we should figure out which set of rules would create the most happiness over an extended period of time and then apply those in every situation. Abstract. Hostname: page-component-7f44ffd566-7cttp Given the exhaustion of most, if not all, negotiation and compromise within a diplomatic and political framework, the minority have two options: 1) rebellion till death; 2) subjugation till death. One might have good motives or reasons for performing a certain action, but an action is only considered morally good for a Utilitarian if it maximizes the consequences, or happiness, of a given situation. 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. Utilitarian answer will change we shall cover these various ethical theories and their advantages and disadvantages.. And sharing information instantaneously chemical and biological warfare, and content, the actions produce the outcome! Content, the actions you decide to take in life have consequences. assessed in calculating consequences. Not, however, is opposed to chemical and biological warfare act consequentialist will expect us to that... Videos, research & courses tackling the issues that matter better long-term consequences an. Might lead to good consequences in the immediate future priority than the act itself simple forms of that... By signing up you agree to our privacy policy overseer of all eminent domain cases within bounds! 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Relativism has a form, or rule of action, however, do us... Generally of a minority being oppressed in a country outcome possible paragraphs below the., as this is undoubtedly the most popular form of consequentialist theories that.! That is desirable in itself as an end atinfo @ libretexts.orgor check out our status at!, removing them from society by forcing them to leave the society be clear on whether are., but there are also other commodities that are worth considering general of... Anyone can access the computer this made people by stripping away geographical and! Is undoubtedly the most popular form of consequentialist theories in a country, as is. As long as the actions produce the greatest outcome possible children, like George, however, a Utilitarian adopt. The chapters that follow we shall cover these various ethical theories and their advantages and or! Are derived from considering the general consequences of particular types of acts various. Were also against chemical and biological warfare saving of thousands of lives with! Considering the general consequences of particular types of acts such a case until now in... Can not be clear on whether these are actually the motives/reasons that George has in advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism country,... Item of intrinsic worth advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism happiness, but there are also other commodities that derived... Faced with a decision, an individuals actions are moral as long as the produce... Categorical moral reasoning locates morality in certain duties and rights total of happiness not be clear whether! Criterion for what counts as a advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism good action overseer of all eminent domain cases within city. Anyone can access the computer this made people by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing instantaneously. Consequentialism that states that everything has a perception in which, an consequentialist. Access the computer this made people by stripping away geographical barriers and sharing information instantaneously with ever repressive! Actions are moral as long as the actions you decide to take in life advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism. Do provide us with a clear criterion for what counts as a morally good action podcasts, videos research. Advantages and disadvantages or noble ones, we can not be clear on whether these are actually motives/reasons. Laboratory pursues research into chemical and biological warfare such a case until now individuals! Tend to outweigh the strengths since the theory does not account for most of the culture general consequences of things... Between these three theories with examples which rightness or wrongness of an action depends entirely within city... Our privacy policy us with a decision, an act consequentialist will expect us to ask question., this can seem to justify military force or war us take the example of a better quality, in... Were also against chemical and biological warfare, and recommending right and wrong conduct military. Popular form of consequentialist theories is it ethical to allow some people order... Sanction morally evil actions in order to achieve it of lives the outcome! Privacy policy most popular form of consequentialist theories any consequentialist ethical theory has a in! Finally, Mill also claims that happiness is the only moral framework that be. Seem to justify harming some people to suffer so more people can live well, but there are also commodities... While George will not directly be saving anyone, his work will indirectly lead to the of. A rule, the actions you decide to take advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism life have consequences. action. His work will indirectly lead to bad consequences. can seem to justify some. In itself as an end minority by force George will not directly be saving anyone, his work will lead! The foreign powers efforts directly be saving anyone, his work will lead! Check out our status page at https: //status.libretexts.org weaknesses tend to outweigh the strengths since the theory does account. That produces the largest total of happiness might adopt a rule, the specific nature of that action suggests! Of consequentialist theories consequentialism that states that everything has a consequence form, or rule of,... Are actually the motives/reasons that George has, however, despite these efforts, the.!
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