Consequentialism

Consequentialism is an umbrella term for theories from the field of ethics that judges the moral worth of an action because of their consequences. Frequently consequentialism is the motto "the end justifies the means" clear.

Consequentialist ethics are thus both in contrast to deontological ethics, which, judged permit or prohibit the actions themselves and not the consequences as dutifully ( offered ), as well as to virtue ethics, are the determining factor in the character and motivation of the actor.

Under the concept of consequentialism utilitarianism and varieties fall of ethical egoism. In this case, utilitarianism requires that the total utility of all ethical subjects should be as large as possible by the consequences of an action; of ethical egoism asks especially after the personal advantage. Depending on how the overall benefit or the personal benefit be determined (long - or short-term, globally or locally, based on wealth or on self-esteem, etc.), this result quite different normative systems.

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