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Consequentialism: An Ethical Theory Of Utilitarianism

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The first theory that will be explored utilitarianism, an ethical theory that stems from consequentialism. Consequentialism, often referred to as a type of situational ethic, believes an act is right if it has good consequences. Utilitarianism centers around the idea that happiness has intrinsic value. This theory is considered to be normative, or evaluative; in terms of actions being good or bad it considers the solution by asking if it ought to be done or ought not to be done. The principle of utilitarianism deems an act to be right if its outcome produces the most happiness for the most persons. Practicing utilitaristas use the ‘Utilitarian Calculus’ as a method for determining if an action should be acted upon or not. The ‘Utilitarian

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