consequentialist theories

Consequentialist theories evaluate the morality of actions based on their outcomes. The core idea is that an action is considered right if it leads to the best overall results, such as happiness, well-being, or reducing suffering. Think of it as weighing the positives and negatives of each decision; if the benefits outweigh the harms, the action is justified. The most well-known form is utilitarianism, which seeks to maximize happiness for the greatest number of people. These theories focus on consequences rather than rules or intentions, emphasizing the importance of the results in moral judgments.