consequentialism
[kon-si-kwen-shuh-liz-uh m]
- the theory that human actions derive their moral worth solely from their outcomes or consequences.
- the theory that ethical decisions should be made on the basis of the expected outcome or consequences of the action.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
consequentialism
- ethics the doctrine that an action is right or wrong according as its consequences are good or bad
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for consequentialism
n.
1969, from consequential + -ism. The philosophy that the morality of an action is to be judged solely by its consequences. Related: Consequentialist.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper