Which approach evaluates the morality of an action based on the consequences?

Outcome-based ethics is the approach that evaluates the morality of an action based on its consequences. This ethical framework considers the results of an action to determine whether it is right or wrong. The central tenet is that the most ethical decision is one that will produce the greatest good or the least harm for the greatest number of people.

In this ethical evaluation, the focus shifts from the action itself to the outcomes that flow from that action. This approach aligns well with utilitarianism, where the aim is to maximize overall happiness and minimize suffering. The effectiveness of a decision is measured through its impacts, making this approach pragmatic and results-oriented.

Duty-based ethics, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties, regardless of the outcomes. The principle of rights focuses on respecting and protecting individual rights, and the categorical imperative is a concept developed by Kant that asserts actions must adhere to universal laws. Each of these alternatives prioritizes different aspects of ethical reasoning rather than consequences, making them distinct from outcome-based ethics.