Consequentialism

Consequentialism is a moral theory that focuses on the consequences or outcomes of actions in determining their moral value. It holds that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends solely on its consequences, rather than the intentions behind the action.

Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory that emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or utility as the ultimate goal. It suggests that actions are morally right if they result in the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

Hedonism

Hedonism is a consequentialist doctrine that posits pleasure and happiness as the highest intrinsic goods and the ultimate aim of human life. It focuses on the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain as the guiding principles of Morality.

Act Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism that assesses the moral value of individual actions based on their specific consequences. It holds that an action is morally right if it produces the greatest amount of overall happiness in a particular situation.

Rule Utilitarianism

Rule Utilitarianism is a variant of consequentialism that evaluates the moral worth of actions based on the general rules that would maximize overall happiness if consistently followed. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral rules rather than considering the consequences of each individual action.

Egoism

Egoism is a consequentialist theory that asserts individuals should act in their own self-interest and maximize their own happiness. It suggests that individuals should prioritize their own well-being over the well-being of others when making moral decisions.

##Criticisms

Critics of consequentialism argue that it can lead to morally questionable outcomes, such as justifying actions that cause harm to a few for the benefit of many. They also question the ability to accurately predict all the consequences of an action and the potential neglect of individual rights and justice in favor of overall outcomes.

Utilitarianism - A form of consequentialism that emphasizes maximizing overall happiness or utility as the ultimate goal.

Hedonism - A consequentialist doctrine that posits pleasure and happiness as the highest intrinsic goods and the ultimate aim of human life.

Act Utilitarianism - A form of consequentialism that assesses the moral value of individual actions based on their specific consequences.

Rule Utilitarianism - A variant of consequentialism that evaluates the moral worth of actions based on the general rules that would maximize overall happiness if consistently followed.

Egoism - A consequentialist theory that asserts individuals should act in their own self-interest and maximize their own happiness.

Consequentialist Criticisms - Criticisms and challenges to the consequentialist approach to Ethics.