Consequentialist vs Non-Consequentialist Ethics

[Audio] Consequentialist vs Non-Consequentialist Ethics Introduction to two major ethical theories Submitted by: Bona A. Delos Santos.

[Audio] What Is Ethics? the study of right and wrong actions Helps guide moral decision-making Different theories explain how we decide what is right.

[Audio] What Is Consequentialism? Moral value depends on the outcomes or consequences of actions An action is right if it produces good results Focuses on results, not intentions.

[Audio] Key Features of Consequentialism Consequences determine morality Goal: maximize good outcomes Often considers happiness, well-being, or benefits.

[Audio] Example of Consequentialism A veterinary technician assists in temporary chemical restraint for a painful diagnostic procedure Short-term stress and discomfort are expected The procedure enables accurate diagnosis and effective treatment Ethical justification: overall benefits (recovery, reduced long-term suffering) outweigh temporary harm Emphasizes beneficence and minimizing total animal suffering.

[Audio] Types of Consequentialism Utilitarianism – greatest good for the greatest number Egoism – actions are right if they benefit oneself.

[Audio] Strengths of Consequentialism Practical and outcome-focused Useful in policy-making and real-life decisions Flexible in different situations.

[Audio] Weaknesses of Consequentialism Can justify harmful actions Ignores intentions or moral duties Difficult to predict consequences.

[Audio] What Is Non-Consequentialism? Morality depends on rules, duties, or intentions Actions are right or wrong regardless of outcomes Focuses on principles.

[Audio] Key Features of Non-Consequentialism Emphasizes moral rules Certain actions are always right or wrong Intentions matter more than results.

[Audio] Example of Non-Consequentialism Scenario: An owner requests euthanasia of a healthy animal due to inconvenience or cost The veterinary technician has a professional duty to protect animal welfare Killing a healthy animal violates moral rules and professional ethical codes Even if euthanasia would be efficient or profitable, the action is morally impermissible Emphasizes duty, animal rights, and professional integrity.

[Audio] Types of Non-Consequentialism Deontology – duty-based ethics (Immanuel Kant) Rights-based ethics – respects individual rights.

[Audio] Strengths of Non-Consequentialism Protects individual rights Clear moral guidelines Promotes fairness and justice.

[Audio] Weaknesses of Non-Consequentialism Can be too rigid May ignore real-world consequences Moral dilemmas can be hard to resolve.

[Audio] Consequentialism Non-Consequentialism Focuses on outcomes Focuses on rules Flexible Principle-based Results matter most Intentions matter most.