consequentialism

American  

[kon-si-kwen-shuh-liz-uhm] / ˌkɒn sɪˈkwɛn ʃəˌlɪz əm /

noun

1. the theory that human actions derive their moral worth solely from their outcomes or consequences.

2. the theory that ethical decisions should be made on the basis of the expected outcome or consequences of the action.

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consequentialism British  

/ ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. ethics the doctrine that an action is right or wrong according as its consequences are good or bad

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Other Word Forms

• consequentialist noun

Example Sentences

In consequentialism, an action is right when it produces the greatest good for everyone.

From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022

Almost all versions of the family of moral theories known as consequentialism hold that pleasure is morally good and pain and suffering are morally bad.

From New York Times • Jan. 3, 2022

In their pursuit of survival, men and women employ Machiavellian game theory and adopt a bleak consequentialism.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 17, 2019

In contrast to consequentialism or duty-based deontology, virtue ethics emphasizes virtues or moral excellence.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2019

Indeed, encyclicals are never page turners, and the Pontiff, a philosopher and onetime professor, tosses around such celestial concepts as "fundamental option," "invincible ignorance," "teleology" and "consequentialism."

From Time Magazine Archive