consequentialism

Meanings

1. The ethical study of morals, duties and rights with an approach that focuses consequences of a particular action or cause.
2. The belief that consequences form the basis for any valid moral judgment about an action. Thus, from a consequentialist standpoint, a morally right action is one that produces a good outcome, or consequence.

Etymology

From consequential + -ism, coined by British analytic philosopher G. E. M. Anscombe in 1958.