The above statement captures the essence of consequentialist and deontological approaches. Consequentialism talks of a good consequence regardless of whether the action was right or wrong. It says ends justify means.
- Deontological view talks of the right action regardless of the end consequence.
- Meaning, the end is not important, it’s more important to follow the right path. As an eg. – the Utilitarian perspective is consequentialist while Kant’s categorical imperative is deontological.
- Both theories have their flaws. The utilitarian perspective is only concerned with the greatest happiness of the greatest number.
- If killing a person gave happiness to 100 other people, it would be just to execute that one person.
- On the other hand, Kant’s categorical imperative would condemn lying but there are many instances where lying can save one’s life. So it cannot be universally applied.
From the above, we cannot say that defining ‘right action’ is a mistake and ‘good consequence’ should have primacy. There cannot be a narrative that can be universally applied. Their applicability depends on a case by case scenario.
Gandhi was of the opinion that not only are the ends important but so are the means. It is not enough to fight for freedom but to have Dharma on our side which means right action. This implies that the right action and good consequence need not be in contradiction. They cannot be seen in dichotomous terms. A harmonious synthesis of the two is always possible and always think of solutions that do justice to both.
Comments
29 responses to “Is it as much of a mistake to define ‘right action’ as to define ‘good consequence’? (15 Marks)”
Please Review…My payment id: MOJO9a31400N58094558
The answer lacks depth.
It is a 15 marker hence keep your content according to it.
The content is OK but more needs to be discussed.
The structure needs betterment.
Use smaller paragraphs.
Good examples.
MOJO9b04X00D25275001
The content lacks depth and most part of the answer is repetitive.
The content should have proper balance and depth.
Discuss the Deontological as well Kant’s view in the answer to bring balance.
The example needs to be more to the point and they need to be more in number.
MOJO9a31K00N58111047
Please upload the page in a correct orientation. It is tough for us to read an upside-down image on the system.
Good content overall.
It is good that you divided the discussion into different elements.
Give more examples
MOJO9930Q00N64198657
A very good answer.
Your answer has enough depth and coverage.
But do give more examples in ethics stats parts to drive home your point.
The content is excellent.
the structure and balance is very good.
Thank you for the review. But kindly advise, how to prepare for these ethics question?
Hi Swetha.
Pleasure is all mine.
You don’t have to master the topics, all you need is BASIC UNDERSTANDING and the ability to analyze. Basic understanding comes from reading and re-reading. The ability to analyze what you have understood from reading comes from WRITING PRACTICE.
Start from the basics.
Build your concepts.
And then move on to case studies.
To deal with questions on ethics, you should understand the concepts of ethics first (including the difference between ethics and morals). Human values are also an important topic, so, know the difference between ethics and values.
You need to prepare a little bit about prominent philosophers, leaders, and able administrators around.
You can read either Lexicon or Ethics Integrity and Aptitude by G Subba Rao.
Read all the topics and try to frame their definitions in your mind with easy language and day to day activities.
Payment ID: MOJO9a24700A60815067
Use subheadings whenever you are changing the discussion.
The overall content is good.
the example is decent but try to give more examples.
The structure and the balance of the answer is fine
Payment I’d MOJO9a31100A58098507
A very good answer Pratik.
The content is perfect.
The examples quoted are very good.
The explanation and language is well suited for the ethics answers.
The balance is perfect and you have covered the necessary elements
MOJO9b03K00A07920521
Decent examples.
But more content is needed in the 2nd part of the answer.
The 1st part of the answer is very good.
Your language is very good and explanation crisp
Mojo id-MOJO9908R00A36163556
Please do not cut this frequently. This a wrong habit of yours.
Keep your presentation clear and error-free.
The overall content is quite decent.
The examples quoted are apt.
Decent structure.
You have discussed the relations between action and consequences in a decent manner.
Work on your presentation
Please review.
Payment id- MOJO9a05700D19953140
Good answer.
Your connection with the example of freedom struggle is apt.
But do give some more examples. The static part of the ethics needs more examples.
The explanation is crisp and short.
The link between Gandhi and Machiavelli is very good.
MOJO9b04S00N25297271. Please review
A very good answer Siddhant.
The content is perfect, it is deep and has perfect coverage.
The main body of the answer is well placed and well balanced.
The Deontological approach, as well as Utliatarian approaches, have been explained really well.
Good use of examples.
ID: MOJO9a29V00D61774546
Thank you.
The only issue with the answer is that it lacks examples.
All the static questions of the ethics should have at least a couple of examples to drive home your point.
Otherwise, the content is decent.
Fine balance between actions and consequences.
The language is very good.
God conclusion
MOJO9a05K00A19952476
The overall content is good.
the example is decent but try to give more examples.
All the static questions of the ethics should have at least a couple of examples to drive home your point.
The structure and the balance of the answer is fine
MOJO9a02U00D28381180
A decent effort Deepanshu
The explanation and language is well suited for the ethics answers.
The balance is perfect and you have covered the necessary elements
The examples quoted are very good.
The content is perfect.
greetings
sir i can understand the workload on you and i really appreciate your efforts too. But it would be very helpful if you can put some addons by your side in the reviews itself as the comments you have given wont be making any difference if i would answer the same question again. Hope you get it what i wanted to convey.
Thank you sir