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Consequentialism: meaning, definitions and examples

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consequentialism

[ kənˌsɪˌkwɛnʃəˈlɪzəm ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
consequentialism	Discusses the ethical theory that holds that the consequences of one's actions are the ultimate basis for judging the rightness or wrongness of these actions. In consequentialism, an action is deemed morally right if it leads to the best possible outcome.
utilitarianism	Specifically refers to a form of consequentialism that aims to maximize overall happiness or utility. Often discussed in philosophical debates and ethical considerations. Utilitarianism holds that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness for the greatest number of people.
outcome-based ethics	Used when explaining ethical theories that evaluate actions based on their outcomes rather than their intentions or inherent morality. Outcome-based ethics suggests that the morality of an action is determined by the effects it produces.
result-based ethics	Similar to outcome-based ethics, frequently mentioned in discussions about ethical frameworks that prioritize end results over the process or motives. Result-based ethics focuses on the end results to decide whether an action is ethical.

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

Etymology

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.