| The mention of the word "consequences"'
automatically brings up the idea of "result," or "outcome"
--- the results of our actions, decisions, choices or the lack of
these. It reminds us that whatever we do, or refuse to do, has some
outcome in one way or another, some times immediately, some times
much later. |
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| In ethics, consequences
are a central consideration under a theory called "Consequentialism"
which is also called the "teleological theory of ethics"
(from the Greek telos, which means end, purpose, goal, result).
From the point of view of this ethical theory, therefore, the right
or wrong of a particular action, choice or decision is measured by
whether or not the consequences were good or bad, beneficial or harmful.
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| Another
closely related ethical theory that is sometimes confused with Consequentialism
is "utilitarianism". But then, utilitarianism is distinguished
from Consequentialism because utilitarianism is only one aspect of
Consequentialism. Elizabeth Anscombe makes this distinction in her
work, "Modern Moral Philosophy". Check out this website
for some discussion of this distinction and the introduction of some
other important distinctions in the area of Consequentialism. Note
that the concept of "satisficing" is briefly discussed on
this page. This concept was introduced by Herbert Simon (1916-2001),
the well-known CMU professor. Go to: |
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| So,
in one simplified form, utilitarianism is a consequences-based theory
that seeks to determine the greatest good for the greatest numbers.
To learn more about the varieties of utilitarianism, surf through
some of the websites that you will find at: |
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| Many of the decisions,
choices and actions of our everyday life are made with an eye to consequences.
Human beings by nature tend to be consequence-oriented. That means,
we have a tendency to seek results, and not just any results, but
positive ones -- benefits, gains. |
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| If we know ahead
what the consequences of a particular choice, decision or action will
be, this knowledge can help to motivate us and provide guidelines
and security as we pursue that goal,l if it is positive, or avoid
it, if it is negative. A common example is this: Do your studies seriously
and conscientiously, for then you will get good grades. The consequence
of serious study is the good grade that may lead to, and the fact
that I know this ahead of time can be a great source of motivation
for me. |
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| Children are taught
to expect reward for good behavior and punishment for bad (some candies
for taking out the garbage or walking the dog). The lesson of consequences,
therefore, goes as far back as childhood. This is developed as one
grows into adult life, where things gets more complex, because other
motivating factors besides immediately gratifying consequences may
come into play. Yet the field of behavioral psychology is built upon
the idea that behavior is the result of the reinforcement of such
positive consequences attendant to our actions. |
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| In a similar way,
the influence of the concept of consequence in personal life is carried
into professional life as well. According to those who hold a Consequentialist
view, the desire for success, profit, or reward as a consequence of
our public action is at the root of most decisions in professional
life. Consequentialism is, therefore, an indispensable ethical concept
which has great influence in both theoretical and practical aspects
of personal as well professional life. |
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| Using
Consequences |
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The lead consequences-based question in a VCR analysis is:
Can the CONSEQUENCES
of any actions that are taken by professionals to resolve the
issue, problem or dilemma be identified, and, if so, what are
they and are they ethically acceptable?
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This step in a VCR analysis refers to the consequences
of our actions and is called the "teleological"
theory of ethics. Here the most important categories are items like
the results, the outcomes and the consequences of actions. For the
teleologist, an action is ethically right if and only if its consequences
are good; ethically wrong if its consequences are bad or evil. Go
to:
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http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&safe=off&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&q=define%3A+teleology&aq=0&aqi=l1g10&aql=&oq=teleology&gs_rfai=
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| Many
human endeavors are teleological in nature. Business, for example,
understood as a productive activity, is consequence oriented. Business
professionals are interested in future returns on investments, in
creating products that will have a widespread appeal in the market
or in providing a service that many will find useful. In all of these
various business activities, the consequences of business decision
making are what guide the business professional. That is why in corporations
business planning is such a crucial function. |
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| Consequences,
then, are an important consideration in our analysis of ethical conduct.
We need to ask: "Has the professional acted in such a way that
good consequences are produced or did they act in ways that produced
evil or harm?" This approach in our analytic framework of VCR
will require an intelligent understanding of the benefits and the
harms of the actions that professionals choose to engage in. And we
need to be conscious of the consequences that will arise whenever
we choose an option for a profession or professional to follow in
resolving ethical issues, problems and dilemmas. |
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| Exercise |
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| More
on Consequences |
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| Read the Internet
Encyclopedia of Philosophy entry that surveys ethical theories that
emphasize the role that the consequences of our actions play in determining
if those actions are ethical or not. Go to: |
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| http://www.utm.edu/research/iep/e/ethics.htm#Consequentialist%20Theories |