consequentialism
noun
the theory that human actions derive their moral worth solely from their outcomes or consequences.
consequentialist
-
a word derived from
consequentialism.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The consequentialist analysis cuts both ways, of course.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 18, 2025
Utilitarianism is a consequentialist theory developed by Jeremy Bentham and later modified by John Stuart Mill.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
Utilitarianism, the consequentialist approach first advanced by Jeremy Bentham, judges an action to be moral if it provides the greatest good to the greatest number.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 15, 2022
On this point, I was somewhat surprised how the consequentialist perspective welcomed me to consider both self and public interest, which in this case lined up.
From Slate ● Apr. 15, 2019
McMahan is what philosophers call a consequentialist, which means that, morally speaking, one judges conduct by its consequences.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2018
