Consequentialism in Literature & Literary Theory

Consequentialism: Etymology/Term, Meanings and Concept

Consequentialism Etymology/Term:

The term “consequentialism” is derived from the root “consequence,” and it refers to a class of normative ethical theories that assess the morality of an action based on the overall consequences it produces. Coined in the mid-20th century, consequentialism emphasizes the significance of the outcomes or results of an action in determining its ethical value, as opposed to focusing solely on the intrinsic nature of the action itself.

Meanings and Concept:

• Outcome-Centric Morality:
  • Consequentialism posits that the moral rightness or wrongness of an action is contingent upon the consequences it brings about. This approach contrasts with deontological ethics, which places emphasis on the inherent nature of actions and duties.
• Utility and Greatest Good:
  • A key aspect of consequentialism involves evaluating actions based on the principle of utility or the overall well-being and happiness they produce. The consequentialist seeks to maximize the overall good or minimize harm in decision-making.
• Teleological Framework:
  • Consequentialism operates within a teleological framework, where the ethical assessment is based on the end goals or purposes. The ethical value of an action is determined by the consequences it leads to, aligning with the broader teleological perspective in ethics.
• Act Consequentialism vs. Rule Consequentialism:
  • Act consequentialism evaluates each individual action based on its specific outcomes, while rule consequentialism assesses actions based on adherence to a set of rules or principles that, when followed, generally lead to the best consequences.
• Critique of Deontology:
  • Consequentialism often critiques deontological ethical theories, arguing that the focus on rules and duties may lead to morally questionable actions if the overall consequences are not considered. The emphasis is on the pragmatic assessment of outcomes.
• Ethical Calculations:
  • Consequentialist reasoning involves engaging in ethical calculations, predicting the potential consequences of actions, and determining the course of action that results in the greatest overall good or happiness.

Consequentialism: Definition of a Theoretical Term

Consequentialism is a normative ethical theory that assesses the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. According to consequentialism, the ethical value of an action is determined by the overall well-being it produces, emphasizing the principle of utility and the pursuit of the greatest good. This theoretical framework operates within a teleological perspective, focusing on the end goals and purposes of actions rather than inherent moral principles.

Consequentialism: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Consequentialism Theorists:

1. Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832): Bentham, a British philosopher, is considered one of the founding figures of consequentialist ethics. In his work “Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation,” Bentham introduced the principle of utilitarianism, arguing that actions should be judged by their ability to maximize happiness or pleasure and minimize suffering.
2. John Stuart Mill (1806–1873): Building on Bentham’s utilitarian foundation, Mill further developed consequentialist thought in his work “Utilitarianism.” Mill introduced qualitative distinctions in pleasure, emphasizing that higher intellectual pleasures should be given more weight than mere physical pleasures in moral calculations.
3. Peter Singer (b. 1946): An influential contemporary ethicist, Singer has contributed to consequentialist ethics, particularly in the realm of applied ethics and global issues. In works like “Animal Liberation” and “The Life You Can Save,” Singer argues for the consideration of consequences, advocating for a utilitarian approach in addressing issues such as animal rights and global poverty.

Key Works:

1. “An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation” by Jeremy Bentham (1789): Bentham’s seminal work lays out the foundations of utilitarianism and consequentialist ethics, emphasizing the principle of utility as a basis for moral judgment.
2. “Utilitarianism” by John Stuart Mill (1861): Mill’s work expands on utilitarian principles, introducing the concept of higher and lower pleasures and addressing criticisms of the theory. It remains a key text in the development of consequentialist thought.
3. “Practical Ethics” by Peter Singer (1979): In this influential work, Singer applies consequentialist reasoning to contemporary ethical issues, including animal rights, environmental ethics, and global poverty. He argues for ethical decision-making based on maximizing overall well-being.

Central Arguments:

1. Principle of Utility: Consequentialism, particularly in its utilitarian form, relies on the principle of utility, asserting that actions are morally right if they lead to the greatest overall happiness or pleasure and morally wrong if they result in excessive suffering.
2. Quantitative vs. Qualitative Hedonism: The debate within consequentialism includes discussions on whether the focus should be solely on the quantity of happiness (quantitative hedonism) or if qualitative distinctions, such as higher intellectual pleasures, should be considered (qualitative hedonism).
3. Rule Consequentialism vs. Act Consequentialism: Theorists engage in debates regarding whether the evaluation of actions should be based on individual consequences (act consequentialism) or adherence to rules that generally produce the best consequences (rule consequentialism).
4. Critiques and Challenges: Critics argue that consequentialism may lead to morally objectionable outcomes in specific cases, and concerns have been raised about the demanding nature of the theory in terms of predicting and calculating consequences accurately. Ethicists explore these challenges and propose modifications to consequentialist frameworks.

Consequentialism: Major Characteristics

1. Outcome-Centric Evaluation: Consequentialism fundamentally prioritizes the outcomes or consequences of actions as the key determinant of their moral value. Actions are judged based on the overall well-being they produce, with a focus on maximizing happiness or utility and minimizing suffering.
2. Principle of Utility: Central to many forms of consequentialism, especially utilitarianism, is the principle of utility. This principle asserts that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness or pleasure and minimizes overall suffering.
3. Teleological Perspective: Consequentialism operates within a teleological framework, where the ethical assessment of actions is based on their end goals or outcomes. The moral value of an action is determined by its contribution to achieving desirable consequences.
4. Calculation and Prediction: Ethical decision-making in consequentialism often involves predicting and calculating the potential consequences of various actions. This requires assessing the likely impact on well-being, happiness, or other relevant factors to determine the morally preferable course of action.
5. Act Consequentialism and Rule Consequentialism: Consequentialist theories can be categorized into act consequentialism, which evaluates individual actions based on their specific outcomes, and rule consequentialism, which assesses actions based on adherence to rules or principles that, when followed, generally lead to the best consequences.
6. Quantitative and Qualitative Hedonism: Consequentialism engages in discussions about the nature of pleasure and happiness, with some forms emphasizing the quantitative maximization of pleasure (quantitative hedonism) and others recognizing qualitative distinctions in pleasure (qualitative hedonism).
7. Critique of Deontological Ethics: Consequentialism often critiques deontological ethical theories that focus on rules and duties without giving sufficient consideration to the overall consequences of actions. The consequentialist perspective emphasizes the pragmatic assessment of outcomes.
8. Flexibility and Context Sensitivity: Consequentialism is often flexible and context-sensitive, allowing for a dynamic evaluation of actions based on specific circumstances. This adaptability is seen as an advantage in responding to the complexity of ethical decision-making.
9. Ethical Dilemmas and Trade-Offs: Consequentialism acknowledges that ethical decision-making may involve difficult trade-offs and dilemmas where conflicting values must be weighed. The theory aims to guide decisions that lead to the best overall consequences.
10. Continuous Evaluation: Consequentialist reasoning involves a continuous evaluation of actions, recognizing that changing circumstances may alter the anticipated consequences. This adaptability allows for ongoing ethical assessment in light of new information or developments.

Consequentialism: Relevance in Literary Theories

Literary Theory	Relevance of Consequentialism
Reader-Response Theory	Consequentialism is relevant in understanding how readers interpret and respond to literary texts based on the consequential outcomes of character actions. The theory provides a framework for analyzing how the consequences depicted in a narrative shape readers’ moral evaluations and emotional responses.
Feminist Literary Theory	In feminist literary theory, consequentialism can be applied to assess the moral and societal consequences of gender roles, power dynamics, and the representation of women in literature. It offers a lens to analyze the impact of these literary portrayals on cultural attitudes and values.
Postcolonial Literary Theory	Consequentialism is pertinent in postcolonial literary theory, particularly in evaluating the ethical consequences of colonial actions depicted in literature. The theory aids in understanding how narratives contribute to the examination of historical injustices and their enduring repercussions.
Ecocriticism	Within ecocriticism, consequentialism is relevant for assessing the ecological consequences depicted in literature. It provides a framework for evaluating the moral implications of human actions on the environment and how literary works contribute to environmental awareness and ethical considerations.

Consequentialism: Application in Critiques

1. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky:
   • Consequentialism can be applied to analyze the moral consequences of the protagonist Raskolnikov’s actions. The novel explores the psychological turmoil and ethical dilemmas he faces, allowing for a consequentialist critique of the outcomes of his choices on both individual lives and society.
2. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
   • A consequentialist lens can be used to critique the characters’ pursuit of the American Dream and the ethical consequences of their actions. The novel provides an exploration of the moral fallout resulting from the relentless pursuit of wealth and the impact on personal relationships and societal values.
3. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood:
   • Consequentialism is relevant in assessing the dystopian society’s values and the consequences of strict social and gender hierarchies. The critique can focus on the ethical implications of the regime’s actions and the impact on individual freedoms and well-being depicted in the narrative.
4. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:
   • Consequentialism can be applied to critique the racial values portrayed in the novel and the consequences of prejudice and injustice. The narrative allows for an examination of the ethical outcomes of societal norms, legal decisions, and individual actions on marginalized communities and the broader community.

Consequentialism: Relevant Terms

1. Deontology: Ethical theory focusing on duties and rules rather than outcomes.
2. Utilitarianism: Consequentialist theory emphasizing maximizing overall happiness or utility.
3. Virtue Ethics: Ethical framework centered on cultivating moral virtues in individuals.
4. Teleology: Philosophical approach examining the purpose or end goals of actions.
5. Ethical Egoism: Consequentialist theory asserting individuals should act in their self-interest.
6. Pragmatism: Emphasizes practical consequences and utility in determining truth or value.
7. Hedonism: Pursuit of pleasure or happiness as the ultimate ethical goal.
8. Absolutism: Belief in objective, universal moral principles regardless of consequences.
9. Relativism: View that moral truths are context-dependent and vary across cultures.
10. Altruism: Ethical stance promoting selfless concern for others’ well-being.

Consequentialism: Suggested Readings

1. Bentham, Jeremy. An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. Edited by J.H. Burns and H.L.A. Hart, Oxford UP, 1996.
2. Mill, John Stuart. Utilitarianism. Edited by George Sher, Hackett Publishing Company, 2002.
3. Singer, Peter. Practical Ethics. 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2011.
4. Smart, J.J.C., and Bernard Williams. Utilitarianism: For and Against. Cambridge University Press, 1973.
5. Sidgwick, Henry. The Methods of Ethics. Hackett Publishing Company, 1981.