A friend has been challenging me with consequentialist moral theory. I can't shake the sneaking suspicion that a Christian view of moral rightness is at the same time immensely deontological AND consequential. In other words, those actions which are right because they are ontologically right are also those which produce the most profitable consequences (assuming equal consideration of all affected persons and an agent-neutral view of the consequences).
Posted by nickles at March 31, 2006 09:20 AM | TrackBackWould like to respond, but there are too many big words :) I feel a discussion coming...
Posted by: KAC at April 3, 2006 02:34 PMOK, so basically, consequentialists maintain that a decision or action is ethical based on the consequences of that decision or action. Some people just measure the consequences for that particular person. Some measure the greatest good for the greatest number of people...
It gets confusing. And that's before you add motivation to the mix.
It makes sense if you don't believe in special revelation. IF. But I think Christians get to have it both ways, since following the law of God produces -- in the END -- the best possible consequences.
Posted by: bob at April 12, 2006 01:21 PM