CONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES

CONSEQUENTIALIST THEORIES

1. EGOISM

   • This is a theory of the consequentialist theories that promotes our own long-term interests. Once the act of which leads to one’s long term interests is determined, it should be taken. This consists of self-interests.
   • PROS
     • Self-awareness can be improved
     • Everyone is provided for in their own way
     • Personal Improvement can excel
   • CONS
     • - Some believe that egoism undermines the moral view, as they have a spectator’s attitude and remain impartial, by trying to viewing multiple sides of an issue, without committing to a specific perspective
     • Everyone may begin to follow this theory, as the benefit of one’s self is typically preferred
     • Society could become detached, as its members may only be consumed with themselves
     • Relationships may be destroyed as a result of the possibility of selfishness
     • Can be seen as unable to resolve conflict

2. HEDONISM

   • This is the idea in which pleasure is worthwhile and is the only human good. Hedonists will do what brings them the most pleasure
     • Ancient Greek Philosopher, Epicurus, in his time, argued that people should generate the most pleasure for themselves This idea of pleasure, according to Epicurus is termed as “sober thinking”, which is not just of pleasures to do with positive enjoyment, and excess is discouraged
     • Francis Herbert Bradley also argued that satisfaction is only achievable when one achieves Self-realization
   • PROS
     • Happiness
     • With practice, one can become extremely good at determining the greatest pleasures at any moment
     • No single definition of one’s potential sources of pleasure
   • CONS
     • One’s idea of pleasure may be destructive (ex. Addictions)
     • What is pleasurable may not always be good
     • The potential for too much indulgence

3. UTILITARIANISM

   • Act Utilitarianism is the position that an action is moral if it produces the greatest happiness for the most people
     • PROS
       • Easier to make decisions, as the option that will cause the most to to the most people is typically obvious
       • Takes into account all elements
     • CONS
       • Not always morally right, if it for the greater good of the majority
   • Rule Utilitarianism is the position that we should act so that the rule governing our actions produces the greatest happiness for the most people
     • PROS
       • Rules that govern a societies actions will produce more good
       • Finds rules with the best outcomes
     • CONS
       • Rules that allow exceptions provide more ability than rules that do not
       • Hard to figure out which rules have the best consequences
       • Innocents may be punished if they belong to the minority
   • The theory that we should act in such a way that our actions produce the greatest happiness and pleasure
     • PROS
       • Considers the beneficial and harmful consequences that actions will produce for others
       • Tries to improve the members of society's well-being
     • CONS
       • Consequences are not very easy to forsee