From ufadaameh@yahoo.com Thu Jun 6 17:21:11 2002 Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2002 13:06:49 -0700 (PDT) From: ameh ejeh To: Kieth Douglas Cc: Peter Madsen Subject: Consequences & Contingencies... CONSEQUENCES AND CONTINGENCES The mention of the word 'consequence' automatically brings up the idea of "result", "outcome" ---the results of our actions, decisions, choices or the lack of these. It reminds us that whatever we do, or refuse to do has some outcome in one way or another, sometimes immidiately, other times later. In philosphy, consequences come under an ethical theory called "consequentialism" which is sometimes also called the "teleological theory of ethics" (from the Gk. telos, which means end, purpose, goal, result). From the point of view of this ethical theory therefore, the right or wrong of a particular action, choice or decision is measured by whether or not the consequences were good or bad. Another closely related ethical theory which is sometimes confused with consequentialism is "utilitarianism". But then, utilitarianism is distinquished from consequentialism because utilitarianism is only one aspect of consequantialism. Elizabeth Anscomb makes this distinction is her work, "Modern Moral Philosophy". Ckeck out these websites for some reading materials on this distinction. www.utilitarianism.com/conseq.htm www.xrefer.com/entry/551666 - Closely related to the concept of consequecnce is that of contingency. In broad terms, contingency means that one thing is dependent on the other or something happenings because of, or as a result of the other. It identifies the causal relationship that exists between two things, one flowing into or from the other. In this sense, contingency is very close to consequence, more or less the same concept, although the two terms are not exactly the same. For more on Consequences and Contingences refer to: http://teachers.net/gazette/JAN01/marshall.html CONSEQUENCE/CONTINGENCY ETHICS IN PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE Many of the decisions, choices and actions of our everyday life are made with an eye on the consequences. Human beings by nature tend to be consequence-oreinted. That means, we have a tendency to seek results, and not just results but positive ones --benefits, gains. If we know ahead what the consequencies of a particular choice, decision or action will be, these can help to motivate us and provide guidelines and security as we pursue that goal if it is positive or avoid it if it is negative. A common example is this: Do your studies seriously and conscienciously and get good grades. The consequence of serious study is the good grade and the fact that I know this ahead of time can be a great source of motivation. As early as childhood years, children are taught to expect reward for good behaviour and punishment for bad (Some candies for taking out the gabbage or walking the dog). The lesson of consequences therefore goes as far back as childhood. This is developed as one grows into adult life where it gets more complex because other motivatiing factors besides immidiate gratifying consequences may come into play. I a similar way, the influence of the concept of consequence in personal life is carried into professional life as well. The desire for success, profit, or reward as a consequence is at the root of most decisions in professional life. Consequentialism is therefore an indispensible ethical concept which has great influence in both theoretical and practical aspects of personal as well professional life. Reference material: "The Meaning of Love" By Richard Garlikov. SELF-STUDY AND QUESTIONS 1) From your personal expereince in dealing with an ethical issue, how have you benefited or not benefited from the ideas of the ethical theory of consequentialism? 2)From your understanding of the reading materials, identify some of the similarities and dis-similarities between the ethical theories of "consequentialism" and "utilitarianism". __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com