English

Noun

consequentialism ‎(plural consequentialisms)

1. (ethics) The ethical study of morals, duties and rights with an approach that focuses consequences of a particular action.
2. (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.

Related terms

• deontology - contrast