Consequentialism: meaning, definitions and examples

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consequentialism

[ kənˌsɪˌkwɛnʃəˈlɪzəm ]

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ethical theory

Consequentialism is the ethical theory that the morality of an action is determined by its outcome or consequence. In other words, the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the result it produces, rather than the action itself.

Synonyms

outcome-based ethics, result-based ethics, utilitarianism

Examples of usage

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism that focuses on maximizing overall happiness.
According to consequentialism, an action that leads to a good outcome is considered morally right.
In consequentialism, the end justifies the means.

Translations

Translations of the word "consequentialism" in other languages:

🇵🇹 consequencialismo

🇮🇳 परिणामवाद

🇩🇪 Konsequentialismus

🇮🇩 konsekuensialisme

🇺🇦 консеквенціалізм

🇵🇱 konsekwencjalizm

🇯🇵 結果主義 (けっかしゅぎ)

🇫🇷 conséquentialisme

🇪🇸 consecuencialismo

🇹🇷 sonuççuluk

🇰🇷 결과주의 (결과주의)

🇸🇦 العواقبية

🇨🇿 konsekvencialismus

🇸🇰 konzekvencializmus

🇨🇳 结果主义 (结果主义)

🇸🇮 konsekvencionalizem

🇮🇸 afleiðingahyggja

🇰🇿 салдаршылдық

🇬🇪 კონსექვენციალიზმი

🇦🇿 nəticəçilik

🇲🇽 consecuencialismo

Word origin

The term 'consequentialism' was first coined in the 20th century to describe the ethical theory that emphasizes the consequences or results of actions as the primary basis for moral judgment. This concept has roots in ancient philosophy, but the modern formulation of consequentialism emerged in the context of debates about utilitarianism and the nature of ethics.