It matters in moral philosophy how you arrive at your conclusions. In this post I’d like to discuss two different ways through which we could justify moral activities.
Consequentialist
The Consequentialist justifies actions by way of results. They look at outcomes of moral actions, and from there decide what is the right thing to do.
An example of consequentialist thinking is Utilitarianism. It is a philosophical brand in ethics which argues that all actions must be measured by how much they contribute to general utility. We should hence take actions that deliver the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people.
What is disregarded here is the motivation or nature of the action.
Deontologist
The Deontologist focuses on the action rather than the outcomes and asks: “are my actions compatible with some imperative”?
An example of Deontology is Immanuel Kant’s Categorical Imperative that we treat all persons as ends in themselves and never as means. He writes:
“Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end.”
Libertarian Consequentialist vs Libertarian Deontologist
The libertarian consequentialist believes that government should be small, and individual freedom should be encouraged as this would lead to maximum social utility. Free markets are good according to libertarian consequentialists - not because they are inherently good, but because they lead to a higher standard of living and social well-being. An example of a libertarian consequentialist is David Friedman.
The libertarian deontologist believes that every human being has the natural right to self-ownership. From this natural right, we are not allowed to impose our will on other human beings. Nor are we allowed to take away the fruits of people’s labour that they have harvested through the use of their own mind and body. Hence, free markets are good as it respects all human beings as sovereign individuals who pursue goods and wants as they desire – of course as long as they don’t infringe on other people’s rights to self-ownership. An example of a libertarian deontologist is Murray Rothbard.
Very clear explanation of the difference between the two. Start of a great series.
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Very strong post. I mean it fucks with my head as I find philosophy hard to understand sometimes :D
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Lol. I'll start a series with @ryanart to spread more philosophy on Steemit. The goal is to provide short and easy-to-digest philosophical readings.
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Sounds great !
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I am neither a philosopher, nor an economist.
With that said, I can see an inherent danger in Consequentialist philosophy in that it seems to assume predictable outcomes.
Humans don't have such a good track record there.
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Yeah, that's an interesting critique of Consequentialist philosophy. :)
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This is truly a beautiful piece. This is also the difference between good acts and bad acts. Good acts do not always cause 100 percent good results. That's why judgment should be applied looking to the act (incentive/method behind the act) rather the result.
Too bad not many people realize this. Often, they lack this intuitive sense of moral method. Which may be the most important form of intelligence. Instead you have shallow people looking around and judging without considering the situation that things could be very complex. Totally lack the ability to see things from multiple perspectives, relativate, ask questions to self reflect, and to put everything in context of odds and possibilities.
The result is often very boring. It's the path to that result that interests me!!
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That's very deep one, find it kinda hard to understand at the end of the day though :d
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I will write many more short philosophy 101 posts, many of which will be very accessible and easy to digest. :)
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Nah it's fine now, i was too tired. I liked the post, man!)
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Haha good to know you enjoyed it. :D
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Another great post, thanks for sharing, such detail.
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:) Glad you enjoyed it!
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Great philosophy
Where are you the youngest?
Please read this philosophy in a minite
Dont scroll down
Thanks for follow me back
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Thanks man!
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It was a clear concept chhaylin. Thanks
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Thank you for your comment. I greatly appreciate it.
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this is post very strong thank you
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Thanks man! :)
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https://steemit.com/@rastalikelove welcome to my blog
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Good post. Resteemed. :) I'd like to add that some libertarian consequentialists believe that government shouldn't exist at all. David Friedman, presented by you as an example, holds this position and is known as an advocate of a consequentialist version of anarcho-capitalism.
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Thank you, @barcisz! You're entirely right. Are you an anarcho-capitalist and, if so, what do you prefer: consequentialism or deontology?
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I am an anarcho-capitalist and I prefer deontology, though I'm not an opponent of David Friedman's approach. I find his work quite interesting.
How about you?
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I also prefer deontology. Even if freedom would lead to detrimental consequences, I think we should not be allowed to infringe on other people's freedoms. Nonetheless, I like David Friedman a lot. He's very clear in his expressions, and it's nice/interesting to have some competitive justifications for anarcho-capitalism.
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I totally agree. Very well put.
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Btw, I just started following you. I think you have a lot of interesting things to share on Steemit :)
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Thanks! Followed back. :)
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Good post, well explained my friend!
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Thank you! :)
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I would like to submit that the libertarian consequentialist is wrong to ignore the libertarian deontologist's argument.
In the case of justification of a free market for example.
This from the consequentialist:
Is only true BECAUSE OF, this from the deontologist:
Consequentialists stand on a very slippery slope that often leads towards totalitarianism.
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I agree with you totally :). That's why I prefer libertarian deontology over consequentialism.
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great post
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Thanks! That's very encouraging
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