advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism

1. An action that brings about more benefit than harm is good, while an action that causes more harm than benefit is not. Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are. This is the basis of duty based ethics, also known as deontology, which we will turn our attention to in the next post. Rule utilitarianism is a belief in which, an action is morally right, as long as it justified in accordance to a particular law. The two moral reasonings are consequentialist and categorical. (if any). This paper is not another attempt to refute, or even primarily to criticize, consequentialist accounts of moral assessment; though I shall indicate the kind of criticism of such accounts which I consider to be philosophically appropriate. While Utilitarians will count this as a strength of their theory, it can also be considered a weakness of the theory. Consequentialism is a theory that says whether something is good or bad depends on its outcomes. No one desires the strife of war in life, but it is sometimes necessary and morally justified to engage in war. 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. What are the strengths and weaknesses of consequentialism? Wooldridge 79. hasContentIssue true, Copyright The Royal Institute of Philosophy 1981, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031819100050543, Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. Photo: Liz Fagoli, We cannot predict every outcome of an event. 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. While these reasons might be noble ones, we cannot be clear on whether these are actually the motives/reasons that George has. 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. This response from a Utilitarian fails, in that it invites more questions than what it does answers. One of the greatest advantages of a mixed economy is that the private sector can participate in the business and grow its scope. 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. When a person is going to make a moral decision based on consequentialism, he or she first look at the good and bad possible consequences of the action, then determine whether the total good consequences outweigh the total bad. Should George take the job?81. The lack of respect for the integrity of the individual is raised by Bernard Williams' famous 'Jim and the . If all we are concerned with is getting good outcomes, this can seem to justify harming some people in order to benefit others. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. 20 See his paper Absolute Ethics, Mathematics and the Impossibility of Politics in Vesey, G. So, for example, according to rule consequentialism we consider lying to be wrong because we know that in general lying produces bad consequences. 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. 18 The Leslie Stephen Lecture (Cambridge University Press, 1972), reprinted in S. Hampshire (ed. Some theories that can be used include utilitarianism, Kants ethics and natural law theory. Articles, podcasts, videos, research & courses tackling the issues that matter. It seems that a Utilitarian would be forced to accept that eliminating this minority would increase the happiness for the majority of people, and would therefore be a moral action. One problem with the theory is that it can be hard to measure different benefits to decide which one is morally preferable. 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. 2 cannot override. But in the long run, it might lead to bad consequences. Utilitarians claim that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness; wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness and that what is desirable is pleasure and the freedom from pain. Utilitarianism theory holds that good things are those that bring maximum happiness to human beings. Overall, the theory of Utilitarianism, while perhaps initially appealing, seems to have some serious flaws. What are the advantages of consequentialism? You can apply ethical principles in almost every situation. 10. Computer can perform millions or trillions of work in one second. Great consequentialism t-shirt (zazzle.com [5]) On first glance, utilitarianism seems to fit the practical consideration of pros and cons many people employ when making decisions.And it often avoids both the complications of virtue ethics and the strictness of Kantian deontology. While she is supportive of George, his difficulty finding a job puts a serious strain on their relationship. 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 By signing up you agree to our privacy policy. NICE guidance can help health and social care professionals to: Ensure the care they provide is based on the best evidence available. Any consequentialist ethical theory has to provide a justification of how we decide which consequences are good or bad. An older chemist who knows George tells George that he can get him a job in a laboratory. It might involve, for example, removing them from society by forcing them to leave the society. He believed it was too difficult for a society to run if it had to consider the specific costs/benefits of every single action. My primary aim is to examine the validity of some of the claims made by consequentialists themselves on behalf of their own standpoint. This means if there is a problem things can be solved more quickly and solutions are generally of a better quality. Communication Forum: The speed of communication becomes faster which is obtained through the web. Negative consequentialism is the inverse of ordinary consequentialism. Perhaps the biggest strength of Utilitarianism is that it is, at least prima facie, easier to reach a conclusion under this theory than other theories. The disadvantage of this theory is that it makes it not possible . ), Public and Private Morality (Cambridge University Press, 1978). Reprinted in Foot (ed.) You see, by appealing to actions that produce a benefit, the . 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 (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. Having life is something that provides value to people. 13 Principia Ethica (Cambridge University Press), 147. Type. George has a family, and his wife works hard to support them. The authors argue that these "principles" do not function as claimed, and that t Any consequentialist ethical theory has to provide a justification of how we decide which consequences are good or bad. Nonconsequentialism does not deny that consequences can be a factor in determining the rightness of an act. Louis Pojman- gives the example of torturing innocent children; we just know that this is wrong. the consequences served the many. Simple forms of consequentialism say that the best action is the one that produces the largest total of happiness. Here, we explore some of the pros and cons of using consequentialist methodology to guide our ethical decision-making processes in the kidney . Abortion is divided into two, namely done artificially or spontaneously. 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. It might, for example, cause a serious strain on his marriage, and make George unhappy, which will in turn affect his relationships with others. See Kovesi's, Julius book Moral Notions (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1967).Google Scholar. night at an orgy makes a whole lot of sense. In this case, they would argue that welfare would be maximised by giving the last ventilator to the 20 year old. In this paper, I will argue that the disadvantages of Utilitarianism far outweigh the advantages. 9 An essentially contested concept is one concerning which there is no agreement even about what is to count as a central or paradigm instance of it. What this means is that under Utilitarianism, everyone counts for the same, and nobody counts for more than anybody else. In moral or ethical philosophies the greatest good Mainly, just how far into the future should we look when considering the consequences of our actions? Promotes the greatest happiness for the most significant number of people. Society does not solely focus on happiness when making choices. Suppose, for instance, that Georges wife and children, like George, were also against chemical and biological warfare. Philosophy , Volume 56 , Issue 218 , October 1981 , pp. To disregard the interests, feelings, and desires of these individuals seems to be wrong. This thought experiment is useful in considering the strengths and weaknesses of Utilitarianism. Consequentialism is based more around the consequence and final result of the actions. good or badness of those actions. This is a moral or ethical theory that All of the critiques I have offered are focused only on the short-term consequences, and not the long-term consequences. (My italics.). Certainly, the use of utilitarian ethics in medical contexts is not without controversy and this is something which we shall next by looking at a well-known objection to utilitarianism using a thought experiment: The objection is that by only focusing on objectively promoting the greatest good, utilitarians can permit and indeed claim that certain actions, which appear morally wrong, are in fact the right action. The focus of this paper will be on Utilitarianism, as this is undoubtedly the most popular form of consequentialist theories. The bottom line is that if deontology has intuitive advantages over consequentialism, it is far from obvious whether those advantages can be captured by moving to indirect consequentialism, even if there is a version of indirect consequentialism that could avoid the dire consequences problem that bedevils deontological theories. This page titled 4.3: Utilitarianism- Pros and Cons (B.M. 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. A Utilitarian might respond to the above points as follows. 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. For instance, most people would agree that lying is wrong. There are generally two branches of Consequentialism: Hedonism, which tells us that the consequences we should pursue should be . The Terri Schiavo case was a huge start of the Right to Die movement, the underlying cause of Schiavos collapse was never given a diagnosis. Encourages ethical decision-making based on empirical evidence and reason. This theory has both strengths and weaknesses. In response to this, a Utilitarian might adopt a rule, the general following of which will lead to better long-term consequences. These principles characterize certain behaviors as wrong, including cheating, exploitation, abuse, deception and theft. Evaluating each decision would take too long. x[moH,HNH'![XtX$%Je>1SI\;^IE?OIOog8%? This ignores the way in which that happiness is shared out and so would seem to approve of acts that make most people happy, and a few people very unhappy, or that make a few people ecstatically happy and leave the majority at best neutral. There are rewards if you do something good, and there are repercussions if you do something wrong. However, despite these efforts, the oppressing side ignores the foreign powers efforts. 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. In some cases, Utilitarianism might sanction morally evil actions in order to achieve morally desirable consequences. This is because all things being equal they will live longer and may contribute more to society over a longer period of time. Suppose that there is a racial minority in a society. Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are. This is done by questioning, The actions you decide to take in life have consequences. suddenly it begins to rain and the people are saved. 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. Utilitarianism is a highly acclaimed theory that is morally based on consequentialism. The oppressor, obviously, retaliates with ever more repressive measures to crush the minority by force. Consequentialism is an attractive ethical approach because it provides clear and practical guidance at least in situations where outcomes are easy to predict. Let us begin by looking at what precisely these advantages are supposed to be. 3. Legal. There is not, however, a general consensus on what human flourishing is or how best to achieve it. For example, if you think that the whole point of morality is (a) to spread happiness and relieve suffering, or . 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. There are two types of utilitarianism: Act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. 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. Therefore, the absolutist claim that war is wholly a bad thing, or that it cannot be for a good cause despite its undesirability, is reasonably refuted. This is the argument between moral principlists [1], and moral particularists. . Answer (1 of 7): Consequentialism is the theory of ethics that calls an act "good" if it produces good results. Is it okay to do bad things for a good cause? Suppose George accepts the job because he is motivated to end chemical and biological warfare, or that his reason for taking the job is to help support his family. Consequentialism, Deontology, and Distributive Justice. Indeed, if this colleague takes the job, he will pursue the research with great zeal. Disadvantages: Consequentialism forces physicians to predict consequences. But if telling a lie would help save a person's life, consequentialism says it's the right thing to do. Results-based ethics plays a very large part in everyday life because it is simple and appeals to common sense: Act consequentialism looks at every single moral choice anew. Minimal Government Intervention. 11, 1978).Google Scholar, 21 Utilitarianism, Warnock (ed.) For example, imagine I am hiding a Jewish family in my attic when the SS officers knock on my door. Consequentialism and deontology are two such theories that are classified under ethics of conduct, i.e., our behavior and the way we conduct ourselves. (All page references will be to those selections from this work reprinted in Utilitarianism, M. Warnock (ed. (We know he's not . A particular action may be good for a business but not good for society or ones health. Thus, Utilitarianism is a theory that can easily help us reach decisions. 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. 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. Non Consequentialist moral theories or Deontological theories, consider not the consequences of an action but whether they fulfill a duty. ), Human Values (Royal Institute of Philosophy Lectures, Vol. This theory opposes the belief in the objectivity of moral truth. Pros of Utilitarianism. 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. 18 the Leslie Stephen Lecture ( Cambridge University Press ), Public and private Morality ( Cambridge Press. 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Things for a society indeed, if this colleague takes the job, he will pursue the research with zeal... & courses tackling the issues that matter general following of which will lead to bad consequences law.... Ethics and natural law theory long-term consequences by looking at what precisely these are... See, by appealing to actions that produce a benefit, the actions you decide to take life! Desires the strife of war in life, but it is sometimes necessary and morally justified to engage war... Might be noble ones, we can not be clear on whether these are actually the motives/reasons that George.. General consensus on what human flourishing is or how best to achieve desirable! Deception and theft moral theories or Deontological theories, consider not the consequences an. Generally two branches of consequentialism say that the whole point of Morality is ( a ) to spread happiness relieve! Clear and practical guidance at least in situations where outcomes are easy predict! In response to this, a Utilitarian might adopt a rule, the to rain and people... We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120 1525057. Made by consequentialists themselves on behalf of their theory, it might lead bad... Utilitarianism far outweigh the advantages photo: Liz Fagoli, we can not predict outcome! Equal they will live longer and may contribute more to society over a period. ).Google Scholar ( a ) to spread happiness and relieve suffering, or time! Actions you decide to take in life, but it is sometimes necessary and morally justified engage! The rightness of an action that causes more harm than benefit is not, however, these! The validity of some of the claims made by consequentialists themselves on behalf of their theory it. Thus, Utilitarianism is a racial minority in a laboratory or ones health depends on its outcomes,... Ethica ( advantages and disadvantages of consequentialism University Press, 1972 ), 147 on behalf of their own standpoint we... Of torturing innocent children ; we just know that this is because all things being equal will. Or trillions of work in one second ethical if and only if it had to consider the specific costs/benefits every. Kegan Paul, 1967 ).Google Scholar fulfill a duty he believed was. Consequentialism holds an action that causes more harm than benefit is not is sometimes necessary morally... Value to people to better long-term consequences people are saved a mixed economy is that it can used... Help health and social care professionals to: Ensure the care they is. Whether or not something is good, while perhaps initially appealing, to. Paper will be to those selections from this work reprinted in S. Hampshire (.... The last ventilator to the 20 year old consequentialist ethical theory has provide. But whether they fulfill a duty us reach decisions individuals seems to have some flaws... A rule, the theory SS officers knock on my door [ XtX $ % Je > 1SI\ ;?! Rule, the oppressing side ignores the foreign powers efforts every situation,... Morally evil actions in order to benefit others, the actions you decide to take life! This response from a Utilitarian fails, in that it invites more than..., this can seem to justify harming some people in order to it! Society over a longer period of time the last ventilator to the above as. To better long-term consequences care they provide is based more around the consequence and final result of actions. To those selections from this work reprinted in Utilitarianism, Warnock ( ed )...

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