Question
Medical Ethics week 1
- In your own words, describe the primary difference between consequentialist and non-consequentialist approaches to ethics.
- Choose one of the major theories associated with consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory?
- Choose one of the major theories associated with non-consequentialism: what objections might be made to this theory?
- In addition to your main response, you must also post substantive responses to at least two of your classmates’ posts in this thread. Your response should include elements such as follow-up questions, further exploration of topics from the initial post, or requests for further clarification or explanation on some points made by the classmates.
Professor example:
Consequentialist vs. non-consequentialist theories of ethics
There are two broad categories of ethical theories concerning the source of value: consequentialist and non-consequentialist.
A consequentialist theory of value judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the consequences that action has. The most familiar example would be utilitarianism–“that action is best that produces the greatest good for the greatest number” (Jeremy Bentham).
A non-consequentialist theory of value judges the rightness or wrongness of an action based on properties intrinsic to the action, not on its consequences.
Libertarianism–People should be free to do as they like as long as they respect the freedom of others to do the same.
Your discussion should be placing these theories in everyday or personal situations. Should a bowl full of free contraceptives be placed in the university student union? Should the military draft system be applied to females? What is the theory to cover sanctuary cities?
Solution
Consequentialism and non-consequentialism
Consequentialism is an ethical theory where the results of an act determine whether it is right or wrong, and the better the consequences, the more right the act is (Gustafson, 2018). Therefore, a consequentialist will choose actions that maximize good results. Contrary, non-consequentialism is an ethical theory that suggests that the rightness or wrongness of an act is determined by at least the goodness and badness of its consequences. Although non-consequentialist care about the result of an act, it’s not just the only determinant of its rightness or wrongness.
Moreover, utilitarianism is one of the theories associated with consequentialism. It says that a good choice in a particular situation is one that will ensure maximum happiness for the largest number of people (Gustafson, A. (2018). For instance, a…………for help with this assignment contact us via Email Address: consulttutor10@gmail.com