consequentialist

Consequentialism is a family of ethical theories that hold that the moral rightness of an action depends solely on its outcomes. The central claim is that what matters morally is the good produced by the action, not the motives behind it or the intentions or rules involved. The definition of “the good” varies by theory; common formulations emphasize happiness or welfare, while others focus on preference satisfaction, valuable capabilities, or other goods.

Utilitarianism is the most prominent form of consequentialism. In act utilitarianism, each action is judged by its immediate consequences; in rule utilitarianism, actions are evaluated by the consequences of following general rules. Classical utilitarianism, associated with Jeremy Bentham and later refined by John Stuart Mill, ties the good to happiness and to the balance of pleasures over pains. Bentham emphasized quantitative measurement of pleasures and pains, whereas Mill distinguished higher and lower pleasures. Preference utilitarianism, advanced by theorists such as Peter Singer, reframes the good as the satisfaction of preferences rather than happiness alone.

Other strands include rule consequentialism, which argues for rules that maximize good outcomes, and various forms that apply different metrics of value. Consequentialism is often contrasted with deontological theories, which emphasize duties or rules, and with virtue ethics, which centers on character. Critics raise concerns about the difficulty of predicting consequences, the measurement of outcomes, potential violations of rights, and justice. Proponents respond with safeguards such as rule-based versions or consideration of justice within the calculation of overall good.