In the course overview, you learned that you will be using GVV as a foundation for a personal journey on relationship building and decision making based on your values. Why do you need to learn about ethical theories and frameworks? “Ethical Theories are attempts to provide a clear, unified account of what our ethical obligations are. They are attempts, in other words, to tell a single “story” about what we are obligated to do, without referring directly to specific examples” (Ethical Theory: Overview, 2022, para 1). Learning about select traditional ethics theories and incorporating this information into your decision-making process will help you to understand your decision-making processes in greater detail and enhance your ability to act in concert with your values.
you will be learning about consequentialism and applying this theory to a current example that you select for analysis. You will also be using your work with GVV so far in this analysis process
In a 3-7 page APA formatted paper excluding diagrams and other visual/oral aids as appropriate, address the following:
Section 1: Consequentialism: In this section you will be delving into this theory from a variety of perspectives. Using the relevant weekly readings and videos and at least 2 other scholarly sources provide an overview of this theory to include the following;
Definition, individual elements, or subsets of the main theory
Contributors to the development of this theory
Historical foundations for this theory, in other words, what societal elements or circumstances caused this theory to be developed?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of incorporating this theory into decision-making in the contemporary world?
Using your GVV work to date, would this theory be in alignment with your decision making? Why or why not?
Full Answer Section
Key Elements:
- Utilitarianism: A specific type of consequentialism that focuses on maximizing utility, which is often defined as pleasure or happiness.
- Hedonism: The belief that pleasure is the ultimate good and that actions should be judged based on their ability to produce pleasure and minimize pain.
- Consequentialist Calculus: A method for weighing the potential consequences of different actions and choosing the one that is expected to produce the greatest net benefit.
Contributors:
- Jeremy Bentham: A prominent figure in the development of utilitarianism, Bentham argued that actions should be judged based on their utility or usefulness.
- John Stuart Mill: A later utilitarian philosopher who refined Bentham's ideas and emphasized the importance of quality over quantity in terms of pleasure.
- Henry Sidgwick: A utilitarian philosopher who developed a systematic approach to ethical decision-making based on the principle of maximizing utility.
Historical Foundations:
Consequentialism has its roots in ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the Epicurean and Stoic traditions. These philosophies emphasized the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the ultimate goals of human life.
Advantages and Disadvantages:
Advantages:
- Clarity and Objectivity: Consequentialism provides a clear and objective framework for ethical decision-making.
- Focus on Outcomes: It emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of actions, rather than relying solely on intentions or rules.
- Flexibility: Consequentialism can be adapted to different cultural and social contexts.
Disadvantages:
- Difficulty in Predicting Consequences: It can be challenging to accurately predict the long-term consequences of actions, especially in complex situations.
- Potential for Overlooking Individual Rights: Consequentialism can sometimes justify actions that may violate individual rights or harm minority groups.
- Measurement Challenges: Quantifying happiness or utility can be difficult, making it challenging to apply consequentialism in practice.
Alignment with GVV and Personal Decision-Making:
While consequentialism can be a valuable tool for ethical decision-making, it may not always align with my personal values and beliefs. I believe that certain actions are inherently right or wrong, regardless of their consequences. For example, I believe that harming others is always wrong, even if it might lead to a positive outcome for a larger group.
However,
consequentialism can still be a useful framework for analyzing ethical dilemmas and considering the potential consequences of different courses of action. By carefully weighing the benefits and harms of various options, I can make more informed and ethical decisions.
Sample Answer
Analyze the ethical theory of consequentialism, including its definition, key elements, historical foundations, advantages, disadvantages, and alignment with your personal values and decision-making processes.
Section 1: Consequentialism
Definition:
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on its consequences. It holds that the right action is the one that produces the greatest good or happiness for the greatest number of people. This principle is often summarized as "the greatest good for the greatest number."