Syllabus Edition
First teaching 2024
First exams 2026
Consequentialist Ethics (DP IB Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS))
Revision Note
Written by: Alistair Marjot
Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett
Consequentialist Ethics
Consequentialist ethics is a moral theory that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences
According to this ethical perspective, actions are judged as morally right or wrong solely based on the outcomes they produce
In other words, actions leading to positive consequences are seen as good, while those leading to negative consequences are seen as bad
In consequentialist ethics, the intentions behind an action are not considered to be relevant to its moral evaluation
Instead, the focus lies solely on the results or consequences of the action
Determining good and bad consequences
Within a consequentialist framework, morally good actions are those that result in the greatest overall benefit or "good" for the greatest number of people (sometimes referred to as the greatest common good)
Conversely, morally bad actions are those that lead to harmful or negative consequences for individuals or society as a whole
There is significant debate among ethicists regarding how to determine what actually constitutes good or bad consequences
Some consequentialist theories propose that human happiness or well-being should be the standard metric for evaluating consequences
This perspective suggests that actions promoting happiness or enhancing the well-being of individuals are morally good, while those that cause suffering or reduce well-being are morally bad
Applying consequentialist ethics to environmental actions
Examples of Applying Consequentialist Ethics to Environmental Issues
Environmental Example | Ethical Assessment |
|---|---|
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power | Within a consequentialist framework, this action is often seen as morally good due to its potential positive consequences, including reduced carbon emissions and mitigating climate change |
Clearing forests to make way for agricultural activities, such as farming or cattle grazing | While this action may have short-term economic benefits, consequentialist analysis might highlight its negative consequences, such as habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity and contribution to climate change |
When applying consequentialist ethics to real-world situations, determining the net consequences of an action can be complex
Environmental issues present particular challenges, as the consequences of human actions on the natural world are often interconnected and far-reaching
Scientific understanding of ecological systems changes over time and this can lead to changes in how we view the consequences of certain actions
What may initially seem like a positive consequence may later be recognised as negative, or vice versa, as our understanding deepens
Changing Perceptions of Environmental Consequences
Environmental Action | Initial Perception | Changed Perception |
|---|---|---|
Use of DDT (insecticide) | Viewed as beneficial for controlling pests like malaria-spreading mosquitoes | Now recognised for its detrimental effects on wildlife and the environment, including persistence, bioaccumulation, and harm to non-target organisms |
Introduction of non-native species | Seen as beneficial for agriculture and pest control (e.g. cane toad) or ornamental purposes (e.g. Japanese knotweed) | Now acknowledged as causing ecological disruptions such as competition with native species, predation, and habitat alteration, leading to invasive species, ecological imbalances and declines of native species |
Clearing of wetlands | Considered necessary for agricultural expansion, urban development, and flood control | Now understood as vital for flood mitigation, water filtration, and habitat provision, prompting conservation and restoration efforts to preserve ecosystem services and biodiversity |
Overfishing and marine ecosystems | Regarded primarily as a vital means of food production (source of protein) and economic activity | Now recognised for its negative impacts on fish stocks, food webs, and ecosystem stability, leading to increased awareness of sustainable fishing practices and conservation measures to protect marine biodiversity and health |
These examples illustrate how advancements in scientific understanding have led to shifts in our ecological awareness and perception of the consequences of human actions on the environment
This highlights the importance of ongoing research and informed decision-making in environmental management and policy
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