Ethical Theory Of Consequentialism

Describe in your own words, the ethical type you have chosen

The ethical theory I have chosen to focus on is consequentialism, and in particular utilitarianism, which is a subdivision of consequentialism (Fieser n.d.). Consequentialism can be defined as an ethical theory in which “correct moral conduct is determined solely by a cost-benefit analysis of an action's consequences” (Fieser n.d.). Put differently, consequentialism is a theory in which “an action is morally right if the consequences of that action are more favourable than unfavourable” (Fieser n.d.). According to Fieser (n.d.) “consequentialist theories are sometimes called teleological theories, from the Greek word telos, or end, since the end result of the action is the sole determining

In this way, utilitarianism offers an ethical theory that is applicable to many everyday situations. However, on the negative side, utilitarianism is “seen as objectionable by some because it assigns no intrinsic moral value to justice, friendship, truth, or any of the many other goods that are thought by some to be irreducibly valuable” (Weijers n.d.). In other words, most brands of utilitarianism take no account of right or wrong, but rather allows for ethical decisions to be based on a cold, rational cost-benefit analysis. Nevertheless, and as will become clearer later, this is a powerful theory for making decisions where a seemingly obvious right or wrong doesn’t present itself. In such cases, utilitarianism offers a very convenient ethical theory on which to bases

I tallied up the likely consequences of either course of action and measured them according to the criteria of what action would lead to a more favourable outcome for everyone, or society at large. My decision was informed by utilitarianism because my reasoning was as follows: if I pay the bribe, I will get out of an unpleasant situation and possibly avoid a hefty fine. Whether the fine is legitimate or not, I would either have to end up paying for it or contest it in court, which would probably waste an entire day and stress me out. So, there is an incentive to just pay the bribe and get out of here. On the other hand, if I give in to this scoundrel and pay the bribe, I’m contributing to a corrupt system and helping to maintain it. In the long run, this is not good for me or my society because such behaviour will become entrenched. Imagine the extent of the consequences: the rule of law on the roads could break down, criminals could get away by paying bribes and innocent people suffer. Sure, that stuff happens anyway but the more of us there are that uphold the law, the greater the likelihood that society will