consequentialism

consequentialism
n.
an approach to ethical questions holding that actions should be judged by their consequences and not according to their intrinsic nature or the motives or character of those performing them. According to this view, the right course of action in any circumstances is that which will maximize good outcomes and minimize bad outcomes. The most influential form of consequentialism is utilitarianism, which defines good outcomes in terms of pleasure or happiness and bad outcomes in terms of pain or unhappiness and concludes that one should act so as to achieve the greatest happiness for the greatest number.
Consequentialism is a major strand within medical ethics, where the twin principles of beneficence and nonmaleficence can be seen as essentially consequentialist. A cost–benefit analysis or risk–benefit analysis on utilitarian principles is often carried out when distributing medical resources or deciding between treatments. A calculation of this kind also forms the basis of the quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) system (see quality of life).
The main objection to strict consequentialism is that the consequences of actions cannot always be predicted or perceived. There are also questions as to who should be included in the calculus (e.g. should the interests of fetuses or animals be considered?). Furthermore, despite ‘everyone’ counting once and only once in the equation, it can lead to seemingly unfair outcomes for certain individuals or groups.
Derivatives:
consequentialist adj.

The new mediacal dictionary. 2014.

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