The Ethical Theory of Consequentialism

Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the rightness or wrongness of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. Essentially, it argues that the best action is the one that produces the most positive results or the least harm for the greatest number of people. This approach emphasizes results over intentions, meaning that even well-intentioned actions could be deemed wrong if they lead to negative outcomes. Consequentialism often underpins utilitarianism, which specifically focuses on maximizing overall happiness or utility for individuals and society.