Reference no: EM133508203

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A consequentialist approach to ethics is judging behavior based on consequences. For instance, if someone does the right actions, it produces the best outcomes. In contrast, a non-consequentialist approach to ethics is based on following moral principles that matter more than the consequences of the individual's actions. For instance, if a rule states lying is wrong, even if the lie can save someone from distress, the individual would still not lie, or it would go against the moral principle.

One major theory associated with consequentialism is Utilitarianism, which is acting in ways that could maximize the benefits for the most significant amount of people. However, some objections to this theory in the medical field are sacrificing one individual's life to save many lives (Pence, 2017). It becomes a problem because the individual has no autonomy or control of the situation.

One of the major theories associated with non-consequentialism is Kantian ethics, which has a theory of obeying duties, which would meet the moral principles if actions were based on one's duty (Pence, 2017). However, an objection to this theory is that it would not make sense to treat one patient with an excessive amount of money, which may lead to too little to no money left to treat other patients (Pence, 2017). It would not be fair and just to the well-being of other patients.