Abstract
The paper provides an overview of consequentialism and outlines the central objections to this philosophical and theoretical stance in the context of criminal justice practice. The paper analyzes the extent to which this moral philosophical perspective is relevant to modern criminal jurisprudence. The paper presents the position that while this theory is limited, it also serves some important legalistic purposes and therefore this theory should be integrated with other philosophical points of view.

Outline:
Introduction
Overview of the Philosophy of Consequentialism
Objections to the Theory of Consequentialism
Consequentialism and Criminal Justice
Conclusion

From the Paper
"Substantive moral theories in modern philosophical discourse typically fall into the categories of consequentialist or deontological. Consequentialist theories, which derives from the ethos of utilitarianism, state that, "...agents must always act so as to produce the best available outcomes overall" (Scheffler S. review). In contrast to this position, deontological moral theories stress that the best overall outcomes are not of primacy significance. In the context of modern philosophical and moral theory, it is generally acknowledged that the consequentialist view is inadequate in terms of a comprehensive and inclusive moral theory."

Tags:utilitarianism, consequences, personal, rights, value, neutrality

Abstract
This paper examines how John Mill's utilitarianism is based on the greatest happiness principle - that an action is right (and indeed morally right) in so far as it promotes happiness and wrong in so far as it promotes unhappiness. It looks at how Mill believes that there are different degrees of rightness and wrongness, depending on the amount of happiness or unhappiness generated. It also explores how consequentialism is the view that the value of an action derives entirely from the value of its consequences and that its value cannot be intrinsic or be altered by the kind of character whose action it is. It evaluates whether it follows that Mill's Utilitarianism then must be seen as a form of consequentialism.

From the Paper
"The question of equality is also important. Given the choice between making one person extremely happy and another nine people neither happy nor unhappy or making each of the ten people moderately happy, which is better? According to the utilitarian principle, the better action would be the one that maximises overall happiness, assuming that the application of fairness will have no other effects on utility in general. If the two situations produce the same overall happiness however, utilitarianism does not distinguish between which is better of the two. One can argue that this decision will not have to be made that often, as the diminishing law of returns will mean that reducing the happiness of one such person by a small amount will allow one to increase the happiness of the others by a proportionally greater amount, however the situation may still arise in certain discrete circumstances and unless guided by other notions of morality, the utilitarian will not be placed to make such a judgement."

Tags:actualism, equality, happiness

Abstract
Consequentialist ethical theories maintain that right and wrong depend only on the consequences; while non-consequential theories claim that right and wrong do not depend entirely on consequences. Following the generally admitted differentiation between the two theories, philosophers draw the conclusion that a successful defense of the non-consequentialist ethical theory elies greatly on the existence and proper justification of the "constraints" that appear in such cases. This paper begins by defining non-consequentialist constraints and follows through by justifying their necessary presence. In the second part of the essay, the paper compares some of the defenses we were described and draws relevant conclusions.

From the Paper
"Kant's theory relies exactly on the existence of a set of mutually accepted and recognized moral norms, ethical criteria which help a person make the right decision at the right time. Kant's entire ethical theory relies on the existence of deontological constraints. These universal laws, as Kant sees them, allow us to function correctly in a society."

Tags:Kant, universal, law, moral, right

Abstract
This essay discusses the ongoing debate in professional and philosophical circles concerning codes of ethics. Both philosophers and professionals are interested in whether it is possible to develop a professional code of ethics that will actually be functional within a professional environment. The paper discusses how consequentialism is one of the ways in which professionals have tried to make a functional professional code of ethics is to find an ethical system that will work with their profession.

Tags:indirect, consequentialism, professional

Abstract
The paper explains how the consequentialist ethical approach determines the relative morality of human conduct strictly in relation to the consequences of that conduct, while the deontological approach is based on adherence to rules as the highest moral conduct. The paper explains how consequentalism is applied in practical situations and considers the deontological criticism of consequentialism. The paper then focuses on the insufficiency of the deontological approach by highlighting the deontological obligation to provide truthful information to a murderer on the location of his victim. The paper contends that consequentialism is more useful in that lying and violating other established general rules is ethically justified only in circumstances that meet objective criteria characterizing the consequences.

Outline:
Consequentialist Ethical Principles
Consequentialism in Practice
Criticism of Consequentialism
Consequentialist Response
Resolution

From the Paper
"The consequentialist ethical approach determines the relative morality or immorality of human conduct strictly in relation to the consequences of that conduct. Like other philosophical systems, consequentialism incorporates variations in the specific definitions and distinctions or classes of consequences that matter the most: utilitarianism emphasizes consequences that benefit the greatest number, even at the expense of some; hedonism emphasizes the maximization of pleasure; and aestheticism emphasizes beauty. Consequentialism is contrary to other ethical systems that determine the relative morality or immorality of human conduct strictly on principle and without regard for different types of effects of conduct, such as in relation to their underlying motive (virtue ethics), or their adherence to established social rules or laws (Kantian Deontology)."

Tags:morals, consequences, rules, principles, motives, results

Abstract
The paper looks at how in "Losing Ground: American Social Policy 1950-1980", Charles Murray argues from a consequentialist perspective that social policy in the U.S. is in massive need of reform. The paper explains Murray's basic argument that American social policy has not only failed to serve the poor, but it actually perpetuates and exacerbates many of the situations that the poor are faced with. The paper focuses on the chapter dealing with the American family and points out how Murray basically implies that racism and sexism have become institutionalized and monetized, and that this trend has been increasing in recent decades.

From the Paper
"Clearly, there has not been a great deal of change in basic social policy, at least not to a degree significant enough to change the issue and the statistics as presented in Losing Ground. In order to understand the full implications and complexities of social policy as described by Murray, it is helpful to place his arguments in the correct ethical paradigm. Many politicians, scholars, and active citizens discuss policy issues from a deontological perspective, arguing about the moral and ethical necessities of creating and administering a system that provides for everyone, especially the needy. Discussions of practical matters and decisions are approached from this world of moral black and white; of what it is right and wrong to do regardless of the benefits and/or consequences of a given action. Though there is certainly a valid place for arguments based on such ideals, Losing Ground is not one of those places.
"Charles Murray's ethics as presented in Losing Ground are definitely of the consequential school of ethical and philosophical thought. He does not disagree with a certain ethical imperative for taking care of the less fortunate members of society, and does not suggest that the United States simply abolish its ambitious social policies. For Murray, however, as well as for other consequentialist thinkers, there is no ethical or moral rectitude in continuing to fund a program that does not effectively serve the people for whom it was intended."

Tags:racism, sexism, poor, poverty, family, motherhood, welfare

Abstract
This paper deals with four theoretical ethical frameworks that are discussed as well as an argument involving the best choice of theory, normative ethics or legislature that would allow for the best ethical conduct by journalists. The second part of the paper focuses on the role of codes of conduct for journalists and the influence these codes have on the journalism profession.

Outline
Introduction
Concepts and Considerations
Theory
Ethics
Codes of Conduct
Ethical Theories
Christian Ethics
The Golden Rule
Consequentialism
Utilitarianism
Ethical Realism
Ethical Theories in Journalism
Case Study
Christian Ethics
Consequentialism
Utilitarianism
Ethical Realism
Codes of Conduct
South African Codes of Conduct
Broadcasting Codes
Press Code of Professional Practice
Adherence
Conclusion
Sources Consulted

From the Paper
"The international spread of Christianity can be seen as a revolution in ethics, as it introduced a religious idea of good into Western thought. In the Christian view all people are dependent on God and they cannot achieve true goodness by any other means other then with the help of God's grace (Oosthuizen, 2002). The ultimate example for Christian ethics is Christ. His obedience to the Father's will is seen as the starting point for all ethical development (Pope John Paul II, Veritatis Splendor). Jesus Christ is the absolute, unqualified norm of all ethical actions, meaning that he is the unique archetype of divine love and the response to it."

Tags:christian, consequentialism, realism, utilitarianism

Abstract
This paper looks at utilitarianism or the principle of utility whose basis is the idea that pleasure and happiness are intrinsically valuable, that pain and suffering are intrinsically invaluable and that anything else has value only in its causing happiness or preventing suffering.

Outline
Introduction: What is Utility?
The Moral Theory of Consequentialism
Consequentialism and Utilitarianism
"Right" and "Wrong"
Utilitarianism and Equality
Negative Utilitarianism
Criticism of Utilitarianism
Conclusions

From the Paper
"Consequentialists typically take one of three views about what is intrinsically good. Hedonistic consequentialists hold that the only thing that is intrinsically good is pleasure. Eudaimonistic consequentialists hold that the only thing that is intrinsically good is happiness, which on some views is a broader notion than pleasure. Third, preferential consequentialists hold that what is intrinsically good is desire satisfaction, or the satisfaction of preferences. If all one ever wanted was pleasure or happiness, this would reduce to one of the other views, but in fact most seem to have desires for things other than their own pleasure or happiness, for example the well being of those close to them (Sidgwick, 1998, 34)."

Tags:consequentialism, utility, pleasure, happiness, equality

Abstract
The paper discusses the issue of ethics in the film "Traffic" in terms of natural law and consequentialism.

From the Paper
"Steven Soderbergh's film, "Traffic", depicts the consequences and effects of America's ongoing fascination with illicit drugs, the struggle of a father to rescue his daughter from addiction, the efforts of Mexican and American police to halt trafficking, and the determination of those who sell drugs to retain their affluent lifestyles. From the ethical perspective of consequentialism, the film can be analyzed as evidence of the fact that moral goodness, understood as the maximization of pleasure, is determined by the results of the act..."

Tags:Traffic, ethics, consequentialism, natural law

Abstract
This paper reviews the moral theories of human behavior: Consequentialism, deontology and functionalism. The author contends that all three contribute greatly to an understanding of human behavior, but fall short of providing all of the answers.

From the Paper
"The moral decision-making process is among the most elusive aspects of human behavior to understand. Attempts to summarize the process into a formal theory usually explain some or even many but never all of the bizarre ..."

Tags:consequentialism, deontology, functionalism