Which ethical theory is founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action?

Consequentialism is a theory that says whether something is good or bad depends on its outcomes.

An action that brings about more benefit than harm is good, while an action that causes more harm than benefit is not. The most famous version of this theory is utilitarianism.

Although there are references to this idea in the works of ancient philosopher Epicurus, it’s closely associated with English philosopher Jeremy Bentham.

Bentham’s theory of utilitarianism focussed on which actions were most likely to make people happy. If happiness was the experience of pleasure without pain, the most ethical actions were ones that caused the most possible happiness and the least possible pain.

He even developed a calculator to work out which actions were better or worse – the ‘felicific calculus’. Because it counted every person’s pleasure or pain as the same, regardless of age, wealth, race, etc. utilitarianism could be seen as a radically egalitarian philosophy.

Bentham’s views are most closely aligned with act utilitarianism.  This basic form of consequentialism holds an action as ethical if and only if it produces more beneficial/pleasure-causing outcomes than negative/pain-causing ones. Whenever we are faced with a decision, an act consequentialist will expect us to ask that question.

John Stuart Mill, a student of Bentham’s, disagreed. He believed it was too difficult for a society to run if it had to consider the specific costs/benefits of every single action. How could we have speeding laws, for example, if it would sometimes be ethical to break the speed limit?

Instead, Mill believed we should figure out which set of rules would create the most happiness over an extended period of time and then apply those in every situation. This was his theory of rule utilitarianism.

According to this theory, it would be unethical for you to speed on an empty street at two o’clock in the morning. Even if nobody would be hurt, our speeding laws mean less people are harmed overall. Keeping to those rules ensures that.

Consequentialism is an attractive ethical approach because it provides clear and practical guidance – at least in situations where outcomes are easy to predict. The theory is also impartial. By asking us to maximise benefit for the largest number of people (or, for Peter Singer and other preference utilitarians, creatures who have preferences), we set aside our personal biases and self-interest to benefit others.

One problem with the theory is that it can be hard to measure different benefits to decide which one is morally preferable. Is it better to give my money to charity or spend it studying medicine so I can save lives? Many forms of consequentialism have been proposed that attempt to deal with the issue of comparing moral value.

The other concern people express is the tendency of consequentialism to use ‘ends justify the means’ logic. If all we are concerned with is getting good outcomes, this can seem to justify harming some people in order to benefit others. Is it ethical to allow some people to suffer so more people can live well?

• The moral principles or values that generally govern the conduct of an individual or group.
  
• The standard of behavior by which conduct is judged.
• COnsist of personal moral principles.

• The values and standards enforceable by the courts.
• Often address the lowest common denominator of socially acceptable behavior.

• Ethical theory that states that people should adhere to their obligations and duties when analyzing an ethical dilemma.
  
• Will alway keep promises and follow the law.
• A person who follows this theory will produce very consistent decisions b/c they'll be based on the individual's set duties.
• Person isn't necessarily concerned w/ other's welfare.

Utilitarian ethical theory

Ethical theory that's founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action.

A person who believes this ethical theory performs the acts that benefit the most ppl, regardless of personal feelings or societal constraints such as laws.

• A person who follows this ethical theory takes into account the law and is concerned w/ fairness.
  
• Seeks to benefit the most ppl but through the fairs hand most just means available.

• Ethical theory that compares a current ethical dilemma with examples of similar ethical dilemmas and their outcomes.
  
• Allows one to determine the severity of the situation and to create the best possible solution according to others' experiences.
• Drawback is there might not be a set of similar examples for given ethical dilemma.

An ethical theory of time-and-place ethics; that is, the belief that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them.

A character trait valued as being good.

The rules people develop as a result of cultural values and norms.

• The most basic level of ethical development.
  
• It's calculating, self-centered, selfish and based on what will be immediately punished or rewarded.

• Second stage of ethical development
• Moves from an egocentric viewpoint toward the expectations of society.
• Loyalty and obedience to society become paramount.

Postconventional morality 

• Third stage of ethical development
• Represents the morality of the mature adult.
• People are less concerned about how others view them and more concerned about how they see and judge themselves in the long run.

• A guideline to help marketing managers and other employees make better decisions.
  
• Helps employees identify acceptable biz practices in their org.
• Can be an effective internal control of behavior
• Helps employees avoid confusion when deciding if something is ethical
• Facilitates discussion among employees about what's right/wrong, leads to better decisions.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

A law that prohibits US corporations from making illegal payments to public officials of foreign govt.'s to obtain business rights or to enhance their business dealings in those countries.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

• A business's concern for society's welfare.
• Demonstrated by managers who consider both the long-range best interests of the company and the company's relationship to the society within which it operates.

Ethical theory stating that social responsibility is paying attention to the interest of every affected stakeholder in every aspect of a firm's operation. 

A model that suggests CSR is composed of economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities and that the firm's economic performance supports the entire structure.

The idea that socially responsible companies will outperform their peers by focusing on the world's social problems and viewing them as opportunities to build profits and help the world at the same time.

• The development and marketing of products designed to minimize negative effects on the physical environment or to improve the environment.
  
• Outgrowth of soc. responsibility and sustainability movements.
• Also helps a company's bottom line.

• The cooperative marketing efforts between a for-profit firm and a nonprofit org.
  
• Creates good PR for the firm and can stimulate sales of the brand.
• Can lead to consumer cause fatigue.

Which ethical theory is founded on the ability to predict the consequences of an action quizlet?

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Is an ethical theory which is about consequences of actions?

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