Exam 9: Consequentialism: Its Nature and Attractions

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Utilitarianism is a moral theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their consequences, specifically the amount of happiness or pleasure they produce. According to utilitarianism, the right action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes suffering for the greatest number of people.

In contrast, the intentions behind an action are not considered as important in utilitarianism. This means that an action can be morally right even if the intentions behind it are not morally good. For example, if a person donates to charity in order to gain social status rather than out of genuine concern for others, a utilitarian would still consider the action morally right if it ultimately leads to positive consequences, such as helping those in need.

Utilitarians are committed to seeing actions and intentions as disconnected because they believe that the morality of an action should be based solely on its outcomes. They argue that focusing on intentions can lead to subjective and unreliable judgments, as it is difficult to accurately assess the true motivations behind an action. By prioritizing the consequences of an action, utilitarians aim to create a more objective and measurable standard for evaluating morality.

Whether or not this feature of utilitarianism is plausible is a matter of personal opinion. Some may find it reasonable to prioritize the overall impact of an action over the intentions behind it, as it allows for a more pragmatic and results-oriented approach to morality. Others may argue that intentions are an important factor in determining the moral worth of an action, as they reflect the character and values of the individual. Ultimately, the plausibility of this aspect of utilitarianism depends on one's perspective on the relationship between actions, intentions, and morality.