Which ethical theory represents a focus on the consequences of an action?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which ethical theory focuses on the consequences of an action.
Option 1: utilitarianism. This is the correct choice because utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory that judges actions by their outcomes, specifically aiming to maximize overall happiness or welfare. The ethical value of an act lies in the results it produces for the greatest number of people.
Option 2: individual rights. This option points to an approach that centers on respecting and protecting the rights of individuals, often aligned with deontological reasoning rather than consequences. In this view, the right thing to do is determined by whether it respects rights, not by the resultant happiness or utility.
Option 3: obligations and duties. This describes a deontological framework (often associated with Kantian ethics) where actions are right or wrong based on adherence to rules, duties, or moral obligations, regardless of the outcomes. It explicitly prioritizes rule-following over consequences.
Option 4: justice. While justice-focused theories emphasize fairness and the equitable distribution of benefits and burdens, they are not defined primarily by the consequences of a single action alone. They consider fair procedures and outcomes but do not embody a single, explicit focus on the overall results as utilitarianism does.
In sum, option 1 uniquely centers on outcomes and overall welfare, whereas options 2–4 reflect non-consequentialist approaches that prioritize rights, duties, or fairness over the consequences of individual actions.

Which ethical theory represents a focus on the consequences of an action?Single choice

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