Consequentialism vs. Utilitarianism — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 5, 2023
Consequentialism is an ethical theory judging actions by their outcomes; Utilitarianism, a subset of Consequentialism, emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number.
Difference Between Consequentialism and Utilitarianism
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Consequentialism is a broad ethical theory that determines the morality of actions based on their consequences. Utilitarianism, on the other hand, is a specific form of consequentialism that posits actions are right if they promote the maximum overall happiness.
While both philosophies focus on outcomes, Consequentialism doesn't prescribe a specific type of outcome as inherently good or bad. Utilitarianism, in contrast, specifically values actions that increase pleasure or happiness and decrease pain or suffering.
Consequentialism holds that the consequences dictate whether an action is moral or immoral, without committing to a specific kind of consequence. Utilitarianism, as a branch of consequentialism, gives a clear criterion: the greatest overall good or happiness.
Consequentialism serves as an umbrella term, encompassing various theories that judge actions by their outcomes. Utilitarianism is just one such theory under this umbrella, with its distinct emphasis on maximizing happiness.
When making decisions based on consequentialism, one might consider a variety of outcomes. With utilitarianism, the primary concern would be: does this decision maximize overall happiness or minimize overall suffering?
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Ethical theory judging actions by outcomes.
Subset of consequentialism aiming for the greatest happiness.
Moral Criterion
Outcomes, not specified what kind.
Maximizing happiness, minimizing suffering.
Scope
Broad, encompasses various theories.
Specific form of consequentialism.
Root Philosophy
Actions are moral if they lead to desired outcomes.
Actions are moral if they lead to the most overall happiness.
Common Proponents
Various, depending on the specific consequentialist theory.
John Stuart Mill, Jeremy Bentham.
Compare with Definitions
Consequentialism
An ethical theory judging the rightness of actions by their results.
His belief in consequentialism led him to judge acts by their outcomes.
Utilitarianism
A form of consequentialism emphasizing pleasure and pain.
Utilitarianism weighs actions by the pleasure or pain they produce.
Consequentialism
A broad umbrella of theories centered on action outcomes.
Different branches of consequentialism prioritize different results.
Utilitarianism
The belief that an act's morality is determined by its utility in enhancing general well-being.
Utilitarianism often asks: does this promote the general welfare?
Consequentialism
A moral framework emphasizing outcomes over inherent action values.
In consequentialism, the result determines the act's morality.
Utilitarianism
A philosophy valuing actions that maximize overall happiness.
According to utilitarianism, increasing joy is the moral aim.
Consequentialism
A philosophy that values the consequences of actions above intentions.
Consequentialism often contrasts with deontological ethics.
Utilitarianism
A doctrine suggesting the best action is the one that maximizes utility.
In utilitarianism, utility is often equated with overall happiness.
Consequentialism
The idea that the end justifies the means.
Many debates arise from consequentialism's focus on results.
Utilitarianism
An ethical theory seeking the greatest good for the greatest number.
Utilitarianism would support actions benefiting the majority.
Consequentialism
Consequentialism is a class of normative, teleological ethical theories that holds that the consequences of one's conduct are the ultimate basis for any judgment about the rightness or wrongness of that conduct. Thus, from a consequentialist standpoint, a morally right act (or omission from acting) is one that will produce a good outcome.
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for all affected individuals. Although different varieties of utilitarianism admit different characterizations, the basic idea behind all of them is to in some sense maximize utility, which is often defined in terms of well-being or related concepts.
Consequentialism
The view that the value of an action derives solely from the value of its consequences.
Utilitarianism
The belief that the value of a thing or an action is determined by its utility.
Consequentialism
(ethics) The ethical study of morals, duties and rights with an approach that focuses consequences of a particular action or cause.
Utilitarianism
The ethical theory proposed by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill that all action should be directed toward achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
Consequentialism
(ethics) The belief that consequences form the basis for any valid moral judgment about an action. Thus, from a consequentialist standpoint, a morally right action is one that produces a good outcome, or consequence.
Utilitarianism
The quality of being utilitarian
Housing of bleak utilitarianism.
Utilitarianism
(philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
Utilitarianism
(philosophy) The theory that action should be directed toward achieving the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people" (hedonistic universalism), or one of various related theories.
Utilitarianism
The doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the end and aim of all social and political institutions.
Utilitarianism
The doctrine that virtue is founded in utility, or that virtue is defined and enforced by its tendency to promote the highest happiness of the universe.
Utilitarianism
The doctrine that utility is the sole standard of morality, so that the rectitude of an action is determined by its usefulness.
Utilitarianism
Doctrine that the useful is the good; especially as elaborated by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill; the aim was said to be the greatest happiness for the greatest number
Common Curiosities
What is the main goal of utilitarianism?
The main goal is maximizing happiness or utility for the greatest number.
How might consequentialism and utilitarianism approach a moral dilemma?
Consequentialism would weigh various outcomes, while utilitarianism would seek the option maximizing overall happiness.
Does consequentialism always focus on positive outcomes?
Consequentialism focuses on outcomes, whether positive or negative, without a fixed definition of what's "best."
Who are prominent proponents of utilitarianism?
Notable proponents include John Stuart Mill and Jeremy Bentham.
Do intentions matter in consequentialism?
While intentions can be considered, consequentialism primarily judges actions by their actual outcomes.
How do critics often challenge consequentialism?
Critics argue that solely focusing on outcomes can justify questionable means or overlook individual rights.
How does utilitarianism view individual rights?
Utilitarianism can sometimes overlook individual rights if overriding them leads to greater overall happiness.
What are other forms of consequentialism apart from utilitarianism?
Egoism, which prioritizes individual outcomes, and altruism, focusing on others' well-being, are examples.
What does consequentialism prioritize?
Consequentialism prioritizes the outcomes or consequences of actions.
How does utilitarianism determine an action's morality?
Utilitarianism deems actions moral if they promote the greatest overall happiness.
Are all consequentialists utilitarians?
No, utilitarianism is a specific form of consequentialism, so not all consequentialists are utilitarians.
Can consequentialism support diverse moral views?
Yes, different forms of consequentialism may prioritize different types of outcomes.
Does consequentialism always lead to clear moral answers?
Not necessarily. Different people might value different outcomes, leading to varied conclusions.
How does utilitarianism handle conflicting interests?
Utilitarianism seeks a balance that maximizes net happiness, even if some individual interests are compromised.
Can utilitarianism be applied to public policy?
Yes, policies that aim for the greatest good for the majority align with utilitarian principles.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
