Etymology. The term consequentialism was coined by G. E. M. Anscombe in her essay "Modern Moral Philosophy" in 1958, to describe what she saw as the central error of certain moral theories, such as those propounded by Mill and Sidgwick.

What is the history of consequentialism?

Anscombe coined the term "consequentialism" in 1958 in her essay "Moral Modern Philosophy." This theory's roots are in utilitarianism and since the 1960's, many writers have used the term "consequentialism" instead of "utilitarianism" for the view that the extent of the rightness of an action depends on the value of ...

What is consequentialism based on?

Consequentialism is based on two principles: Whether an act is right or wrong depends only on the results of that act. The more good consequences an act produces, the better or more right that act.