consequentialism
[ kon-si-kwen-shuh-liz-uh m ]
/ ˌkɒn sɪˈkwɛn ʃəˌlɪz əm /
noun
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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Nearby words
consequence, consequences, consequent, consequent stream, consequential, consequentialism, consequently, conservable, conservancy, conservation, conservation biology
Related formscon·se·quen·tial·ist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for consequentialism
consequentialism
/ (ˌkɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃəˌlɪzəm) /
noun
ethics the doctrine that an action is right or wrong according as its consequences are good or bad
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for consequentialism
consequentialism
1969, from consequential + -ism. The philosophy that the morality of an action is to be judged solely by its consequences. Related: Consequentialist.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper