konsekvensbasert

Konsekvensbasert is a Norwegian adjective describing something that is based on its consequences. The term is commonly used in ethics, decision-making, and policy analysis to indicate that outcomes are the primary criterion for evaluation.

In philosophy, konsekvensbasert etikk, or konsekvensetikk, refers to ethical theories that judge actions by their results rather than by intrinsic rules or intentions. The most well-known form is consequentialism, which argues that the rightness of an action depends on the balance of good and bad consequences it produces. Variants include act consequentialism, which assesses individual actions, and rule consequentialism, which evaluates the consequences of following general rules. The term is closely related to utilitarianism, which traditionally emphasizes maximizing overall welfare.

The word is formed from konsekvens (consequence) and basert (based on). It is typically contrasted with regelbasert (rule-based) or intensjonbasert (intention-based) approaches.

In practice, konsekvensbasert analyses appear in risk assessment, cost-benefit analysis, and policy evaluation, where decisions are judged by expected outcomes such as efficiency, safety, or welfare. Decisions claimed to være konsekvensbasert aim to maximize positive effects while minimizing harms, given uncertainties about the future.

Critiques note that relying on predicted outcomes can be difficult because consequences are uncertain, and that it may permit or justify harmful means if they lead to favorable ends. Proponents respond that focusing on outcomes is necessary for practical decision-making and for promoting overall welfare.