) In your own words, describe the primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist approaches to ethics.
2) Choose one of the major theories associated with consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory?
3) Choose one of the major theories associated with non-consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory?
Consequentialist approaches to ethics judge the morality of an action based on its consequences. The best action is the one that produces the best consequences for the greatest number of people.
Non-consequentialist approaches to ethics judge the morality of an action based on other factors, such as the intentions of the actor or the nature of the action itself. For example, a deontological approach to ethics judges the morality of an action based on whether it follows a set of moral rules, while a virtue ethics approach judges the morality of an action based on whether it reflects good character.
Here are some of the objections that have been made to consequentialist approaches to ethics:
Here are some of the objections that have been made to non-consequentialist approaches to ethics:
Ultimately, the best approach to ethics is a matter of personal opinion. There is no one right answer, and each approach has its own strengths and weaknesses.