INTRO:

REFERENCES:
● Good Intentions do not always lead to good results. [Link]
[Link]
According to David Cummiskey, a professor in
biomedical ethics and philosophy of law, actual, long-term
consequences of our decisions and actions are uncertain. CONSEQUENTIALISM
Consequentialism is a theory of right action. It instructs the
- Situation: Saving a life clearly seems that it promotes the agent to outline all the possible actions, including doing nothing at all.
good and thus the right thing to do in accordance with One must then assign a value to the possible outcomes of each
consequentialist theory. action, and a probability for each of these outcomes occurring. The
- If I save a baby that grows up to be the next hitler, would the expected value of each action is the sum of the value of the outcomes
consequentialists conclude that my act was wrong? of each action, where each value is multiplied by the probability of it
eventuating. The agent should choose that act with the greatest
In Consequentialist theory, the best action that a person can do is to expected value.
choose the option that seems most likely to maximize the good. Thus,
actual consequences (objective rightness) and the expected “The end justifies the means.”
consequences of actions (subjective rightness) are distinguished from
one another. There are two key components to consequentialism:
● probability of outcomes occurring
The best actual outcome is the goal and choosing the best expected ○ These should be based on the best evidence available.
outcome is the means to this goal. Thus, consequentialism sits naturally with scientific
approaches to medicine and evidence-based medicine.
● Agent’s Perspective ● the value of the outcomes
○ This is a distinctively ethical evaluation of the good.
Most consequentialists focus on the rightness from the agent’s
subjective perspective. It is the tendency of actions to advance the ACT & RULE OF CONSEQUENTIALISM
good that really matters: the right action is the available option that, as ● The right act is the act which produces the best
far as the agent can see, tends to promote the overall good. consequences.
● The right rule is the rule which produces the best
● Standard of Rightness and decision-making procedures consequences.

Actions are right because of their consequences, but it does not imply AFFIRMATIVE:
that we should spend all of our time trying to calculate the best ● Maximization of the Greater Good
possible available option. In most situations, we have our prior ○ Decisions should focus on producing the best possible
experience and, as Mill argued, the past history of the human race to outcomes for the majority.
help guide us in quickly judging the tendencies of actions.
 ○ Consequentialism evaluates actions based on their Core Beliefs:
outcomes, ensuring that decisions prioritize the best 1. The consequences of an act are what ultimately matter
possible results for the greatest number of people. when assessing its moral worth
○ Aligns with modern societal values, such as efficiency, 2. That this evaluation should focus on the overall good
well-being, and progress. for society as a whole rather than on individual gains or
○ Collective well-being is promoted with utilitarianism, losses.
aiming to maximize greater good and happiness and at
the same time minimize sufferings. Affirmative:
● Practicality in Policy-Making ● It is for the greater good
○ Governments and institutions use consequentialist -Utilitarianism (Jeremy Bentham; John Stuart Mill)
reasoning (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, public health -an action should be judged based on its ability to maximize
policies). happiness for most people.
○ Data-driven decision-making given that society relies -focusing on the greater good
heavily on empirical evidence, cost-benefit analysis,
and statistical reasoning in making decisions, ● Practical and Outcome-focused
highlighting measurable benefits over abstract and -maximizing benefits and minimizing harm
conceptual moral principles. -looking at overall benefits
● Moral Flexibility
○ Unlike rigid rule-based ethics, consequentialism adapts ● Flexible
to different situations, making it more applicable in real -varies depending on the situation unlike deontology
life. -do not require adherence to fixed set of virtues
○ Assesses each situation based on its potential -straightforward
consequences, making it well-suited for modern ethical -Three-Strikes Law (Republic Act No. 7659) impose harsher penalties
dilemmas. on repeat offenders to incapacitate and deter.
○ Consequentialism justifies social and legal reforms if
they lead to better overall outcomes. ● Encourages Moral Progress
[Link] -reevaluating consequences of actions

Consequentialist Theory ● Provides Framework for Global Ethics

-theory of normative ethics that states that the moral value of an -focuses on universal moral principles instead of specific cultural
action or decision should be judged based on its consequences. values
-the result or outcome of taking a certain course of action will
determine whether or not it was morally sound.
-Moss-Wellington (2021)- consequentialism holds that a moral act
should be judged by its outcomes rather than by any inherent moral
value encapsulated in the act itself
 questions about how happiness is defined and
Consequentialist Theory applied in real-life situations.
Consequentialism is an ethical theory that determines right BetterHelp. (n.d.). What is the greatest
and wrong based on the outcomes of actions. For example, while happiness principle? BetterHelp.
lying is generally considered wrong, consequentialism would justify it [Link]
if it saves a life. Two key forms of consequentialism are utilitarianism, hat-is-the-greatest-happiness-principle/
which prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number, and
hedonism, which values actions that produce pleasure or reduce pain. 2. Public health policies, particularly vaccination
However, this theory faces criticism because predicting consequences programs, often prioritize achieving herd
is often uncertain, and it can sometimes justify morally questionable immunity, which protects the entire population,
actions if they lead to favorable outcomes. over accommodating individual hesitancy,
aiming to minimize the spread of infectious
University of Texas at Austin. (n.d.). Consequentialism. Ethics diseases.
Unwrapped. [Link]
[Link] S50#:~:text=Vaccination%20is%20a
%20cornerstone%20of%20public%20health
Supporting Arguments %2C,pivotal%20role%20in%20fostering
I. Maximization of the Greater Good %20trust%20and%20promoting
A. Explanation
1. Decisions should prioritize outcomes that 3. Progressive taxation, where higher earners pay
benefit the majority. a larger percentage of their income in taxes,
2. Ethical choices should be outcome-oriented, can benefit society by reducing income
ensuring the best possible consequences. inequality, potentially leading to a more
equitable distribution of wealth and resources.
B. Supporting Evidences [Link]
1. John Stuart Mill’s Greatest Happiness Principle does-progressivity-taxes-matter
is the foundation of utilitarianism. It states that
actions are moral if they promote happiness 4. In a medical context, a decision to prioritize
and immoral if they result in pain. Happiness, in scarce resources (like organ transplants) to
this context, is defined as pleasure without save the lives of the greatest number of
suffering. Mill and fellow utilitarian founder patients, rather than focusing on individual
Jeremy Bentham believed that morality should cases, would be a utilitarian approach.
be based on maximizing the greatest good for [Link]
the greatest number. Humans, unlike animals, utilitarianism#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20form
can assess the morality and consequences of %20of,wrong%2C%20it%20has%20obvious
their actions. However, this principle raises %20limitations .
C. Anticipated Counterarguments & Rebuttals
 1. Criticism: It ignores minority rights. Jalali, R., Etemadfard, H. Spatio-
Rebuttal: Policies can be designed to maximize temporal analysis of COVID-19
well-being while protecting minority rights. lockdown effect to survive in
[Link] the US counties using ANN.
utilitarianism#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20form Sci Rep 14, 19608 (2024).
%20of,wrong%2C%20it%20has%20obvious [Link]
%20limitations . 024-70415-5
2. Criticism: The end justifies the means.
Rebuttal: Ethical safeguards and democratic 2. Business Decisions: Corporate Social
processes prevent unethical actions. Responsibility (CSR) and ESG Initiatives
[Link] a) The integration of CSR and ESG
utilitarianism#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20form initiatives has been shown to impact
%20of,wrong%2C%20it%20has%20obvious business sustainability positively.
%20limitations Research published in the Journal of
Business Ethics found that these
II. Practicality in Policy-Making practices can enhance corporate
A. Explanation reputation and financial performance,
1. Governments, businesses, and institutions use indicating that ethical business
consequentialist reasoning. decisions contribute to long-term
2. Policies are designed based on cost-benefit sustainability. Additionally, a study in
analysis to maximize social welfare. Sustainability examined the relationship
[Link] between ESG variables and consumer
analysis? behavior, highlighting that consumers
are influenced by companies'
B. Supporting Evidence sustainability efforts.
1. Public Health Policies: Lockdowns During Zhang, Y., Li, X., & Wang, J. (2024).**
Pandemics Corporate social responsibility
a) Studies have analyzed the effectiveness and its impact on business
of lockdowns as a non-pharmacological sustainability: A review and
intervention during pandemics. For future research agenda. *Journal
instance, a study published in Scientific of Business Ethics.*
Reports assessed the impact of [Link]
lockdown measures on COVID-19 2024.01.003
transmission rates and found that such García-Madariaga, J., Rodríguez-
interventions played a role in managing Rivero, R., & Burgos, I. (2024).
the spread of the virus. The impact of ESG factors on
consumer behavior: A
 sustainability perspective. practicality of rational decision-making in
Sustainability, 16(2), 614. governance.
[Link] [Link]
14 acrefore/9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore-
9780190228637-e-961
● These studies illustrate how
consequentialist reasoning is applied in 2. Criticism: Some outcomes are unpredictable.
policy-making and business strategies Rebuttal: Policies are continuously updated
to maximize social welfare through based on new information and changing
practical interventions. conditions.
a) Adaptive Policy Frameworks: Structured
C. Anticipated Counterarguments & Rebuttals approaches, such as Adaptation
1. Criticism: Consequentialism reduces ethics to Pathways and Adaptive Policy Making,
mere calculations. have been developed to design policies
Rebuttal: Rational decision-making is that remain effective under deep
necessary for large-scale governance and uncertainty. These frameworks
problem-solving. emphasize flexibility and iterative
a) Rational Choice Theory in Political learning, allowing policies to evolve as
Decision Making: This theory posits that new information emerges.
individuals and institutions make [Link]
decisions by systematically considering policyandsociety/article/
available information and potential 35/2/137/6401405
outcomes to achieve their goals. Such b) Assessment of Adaptation Outcomes:
rational approaches are fundamental in Studies have evaluated the
political decision-making processes. effectiveness of adaptive planning
[Link] scenarios, highlighting the importance of
10.1093/acrefore/ adjusting policies in response to
9780190228637.001.0001/acrefore- unforeseen challenges. This continuous
9780190228637-e-1019 assessment ensures that policies
b) Bounded Rationality in Governance: remain relevant and effective over time.
While acknowledging cognitive [Link]
limitations, bounded rationality article/abs/pii/S146290112030366X?via
emphasizes that decision-makers aim %3Dihub
for rationality within their constraints,
striving for the most logical outcomes ● These studies and frameworks illustrate
possible. This concept underscores the that, despite inherent uncertainties,
rational decision-making and adaptive
 policies are crucial for effective based on their consequences to maximize
governance and societal well-being. overall happiness.
[Link]
● Why are consequences or outcomes of an action made by an philosophy/pages/9-2-consequentialism?
individual more significant rather than the intention behind it? 4. Preventing Harm and Promoting Welfare
● Can good intentions justify the bad outcomes resulting from it? a. Argument: Consequentialist ethics, particularly
utilitarianism, advocate for actions that
1. Tangible Impact on Others maximize well-being and minimize harm,
a. Argument: Consequentialism emphasizes that reflecting society's interest in the outcomes of
the ethical value of an action is determined by actions.
its actual effects on others, not merely the b. Source: "Consequentialism is the view that
actor's intentions. morality is all about producing the right kinds of
b. Source: The Ethics Centre explains that, overall consequences."
according to consequentialism, "An action that [Link]
brings about more benefit than harm is good, utilitarianism/
while an action that causes more harm than 5. Intentions can be unclear or manipulated
benefit is not." a. Argument: Consequentialism provides an
[Link] objective basis for moral judgment by focusing
consequentialism/ on measurable outcomes, addressing the
2. Social Order and Justice ambiguity that can arise from assessing
a. Argument: Legal and ethical systems often intentions.
align with consequentialist principles by b. Source: "Consequentialist ethics is a branch of
focusing on the outcomes of actions to maintain moral philosophy that determines the rightness
social order and justice. or wrongness of actions based on their
b. Source: “Consequentialism, as its name outcomes."
suggests, is simply the view that normative [Link]
properties depend only on consequences." philosophy/ethics-philosophy/consequentialist-
[Link] ethics/
consequentialism/
3. Practical Decision-Making Additional Information
a. Argument: Consequentialism provides a A. War on Drugs and EJK
framework for practical decision-making by -should be considered as a non morally right conduct as its
evaluating the potential outcomes of various consequences produces more harm than good.
actions to determine the most beneficial course. -In an article from PhilStar, it was stated that approximately
b. Source: OpenStax's "Introduction to P20.7 billion of illegal drugs was confiscated by the PNP in
Philosophy" discusses how utilitarianism, a form 2024 alone. Meaning there is still availability of illegal drugs
of consequentialism, involves assessing actions and the command of the former president failed to eradicate
illegal drugs in the country. Thus, his actions in the lens of
consequentialist theory must be not morally right.
 Opposition
If for cross examination 1. Intentions don’t matter if the results are bad
-Ask if War on Drugs and the EJKs are morally right. -G.R. No. 171127, March 2015 case of Casumpang v. Cortejo-
-If we would focus on the intention and not on outcomes, this medical negligence (misdiagnosis)
would be considered as morally right conduct. But the data -G.R. No. L-3686, Jan 31, 1952- People of the Republic of the
says otherwise, as the ICC prosecutor has said as many as Philippines vs. Romualdo- driver convicted of reckless driving causing
30,000 may have been killed by police or unidentified injuries
individuals over the years. -G.R. No. 214122. June 08, 2016- Autozentrum Alabang, Inc. v.
Spouses Miamar A. Bernardo and Genaro F. Bernardo, Jr., et al-
[Link] Product Liability
p207-billion-illegal-drugs-seized-2024
[Link] 2. Rules and duties matter more than outcomes
philippine-drug-war-that-led-dutertes-arrest-2025-03-11/ -absolute rules (killing is always wrong)
-following principles ensures justice and fairness
B. COVID-19 Pandemic Response
-Is freedom a part of human rights? 2.1. Blindly following rules can lead to more harm
-Should you be allowed to go out of your house as a part of -a doctor did not perform a surgical procedure on a dying
your freedom? patient because of a hospital policy that the patient must pay a
-During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government imposed down payment of P20,000. If the patient dies, is it morally
lockdowns– not allowing people to go out of their houses right?
which is the general rule in article III section 6 of the 1987
constitution. Meaning the law itself is not also absolute 2.2. The laws and ethics evolve because of consequences
-In addition to that, the government had to impose lockdown to -lockdown
safeguard the long-term health and well-being of its citizen.
Thus, we must really consider consequentialist theory as 3. Justifying Evil Acts
superior among all other theories. -we must accept that there will always be something to be
compromised (Value Theory Approach)
C. Reproductive Health Law -it does not justify evil acts
-conflict from minority religious groups -balancing benefits and harms
-maximizing the greater good does not mean oppressing the -non-consequentialist also allows harm but they ignore results
minorities -eg. Soldier decided not to kill an enemy in return the enemy
-it just focuses on the long-term well-being and in which we killed 10 of your allies
would reap greater benefits
-under consequentialist, it improves public health outcomes
meaning lower maternal mortality and unwanted pregnancies
Good morning to our judges, fellow debaters, and audience. For example, the Constitution of the Philippines gives its
constituents the right to freedom which means there is an
For today, we stand to discuss consequentialism. absence of constraints or obstacles that prevent them from
doing something that is not against the law. However, during
Consequentialist theory is a theory of right action. Hence, we 2020, when the COVID-19 was at its peak, some personal
affirm that it is the most ethical approach when it comes to liberties were actually taken by some government policies and
decision-making. It distinguishes between objective rightness regulations in the form of lockdown wherein everyone was
(actual outcomes) and subjective rightness (expected forbidden to go outside like they used to. Such an act might
outcomes). Moreover, this theory has its key components–the have limited Filipinos’ rights as per the constitution, yet, the
probability and the value of outcomes wherein the former government actually made a decision that maximized the
highlights that decisions should be based on the best available greater good that time.
evidence, aligning consequentialism with scientific and
evidence-based reasoning while the latter is all about ethical
evaluation that determines what is considered good.

For further elaboration we present to you our main points:

First, the decision making and maximization of the greater

good

Moss-Wellington (2021) states that in this theory, a moral act

should be judged by its outcome because the consequences
of an act are what ultimately matter when assessing its moral
worth. Moreover, this evaluation should focus on the overall
good for society as a whole. This actually enables us to
maximize the greater good, ensuring that decisions prioritize
the best possible results, something that is preached by
utilitarianism, pioneered by Jeremy Benthman, one of the
most famous consequentialist ethics. It also aligns with the
value theory approach wherein the greater good is always
prioritized, with modern societal values such as efficiency,
well-being, and progress being associated to this theory.
Second, its practicality in policy making Third, consequentialism’s moral flexibility and progressive
approach
We define practicality as being able to provide effective
solutions to problems. In different sectors such as the The practicality of the consequentialist theory when it comes to
government, businesses, medicine and other institutions, decision-making enables us to adapt to different situations
consequentialist theory is used in creating policies that are especially now that we are progressing. As the world
designed through cost-benefit analysis to maximize social progresses, consequentialist theory remains the best ethical
welfare. Miklos & Tanyi (2023) claims that its application framework considering that it is able to adapt with every
proves that it is suited in dealing with the developing global progress, justifying social and legal reforms that lead to better
problems that we face. overall outcomes.

Under consequentialist theory, we have the term “institutional One proof of this is the legalization of Same Sex Marriage in
consequentialism” where the basic structure of our society Spain on 2005. This was the same country that brought
creates policies and rules that common individuals cannot and Christianity to the Philippines and the same religion who views
should not be expected to make. Furthermore, institutions homosexuality as immorality. However, Spain was able to
determine the content of consequentialist morality for adapt the consequentialist approach considering that it was
individual agents wherein they coordinate their collective flexible and progressive enough to see the greater good in
pursuit of consequentialists goals when individual duties deciding on such matters, prioritizing equal rights and social
cannot be specified without prior institutional assignment. inclusion.

For instance, in the business industry where the range of With these in mind, we firmly stand that consequentialist
potential prices entrepreneurs can set for their products or the theory is the most ethical and practical approach when it
range of salaries they would pay to their employees. We have comes to decision making in modern society, especially now
what we call “minimum wage” and SRP or suggested retail that we, as a society, keep progressing. It provides a clearer
price. and logical framework for evaluating choices and striving for
the greater good. These are enough to prove our stance.
One of the main points of the application of consequentialist Thank you for listening
theory for different institutions or sectors is for them to make
decisions and set rules or policies that look far into the future
and exude benefits that will be enjoyed by a greater number of
individuals.
Cross Examination by OPPOSING TEAM term outcomes on overall well-being
● Too much focus on the majority and overlooking because in consequentialism, the focus is not
the minority just on achieving any end at all, rather, it is
○ As mentioned earlier, consequentialism, concerned on achieving the best overall
specifically utilitarianism, focuses more on outcomes while carefully considering the
maximization of the greater good and the consequences of the means used.
overall well-being. ■ Example: Sin Tax Reform Law of 2012
○ It does not necessarily mean that the minority is wherein taxes on sin products such as
being overlooked given that consequentialist tobacco and alcohol were increased.
theory tends to focus more on the quality of This act may be seen as an act of
outcome, and it does not merely pertain to the injustice or burden to the alcohol and
number of people being affected. tobacco businesses and even lower-
■ Example: Comprehensive Agrarian income individuals working in such
Reform Program which aims to industry for a while, however, it actually
redistribute land to landless farmers. resulted in a long-term benefit to the
The landless farmers, in this case, tend Philippines.
to pertain to the minorities, considering ● In 2019, the Department of
that there are other Filipino communities Finance collected P227.1 billion
that could benefit from such distribution. from sin taxes, specifically from
However, with this program, the overall cigarettes and alcoholic drinks,
well-being was maximized considering wherein, its higher revenue
that it results in social justice and better contributed to improving public
opportunities for Filipino farmers in healthcare services, funding the
boosting the Philippine economy. Such Universal Health Care Program
a thing adheres to consequentialism and providing better healthcare
which highlights the greater good and access to the marginalized
not merely the number of people sector.
affected in the act. ● Here the means, raising taxes,
were justified by its end, an
● The end does not always justify the means improved public health and
○ In the case of consequentialism, the means equitable access to healthcare.
tend to be considered with regards to its long-
● Ignores individual rights and duties
○ Moral obligations are not absolute.
■ Duties are important, but in some
situations, following them blindly could
lead to greater harm.
■ Example: A doctor is morally obligated
by a doctor-patient confidentiality
however, this moral obligation is not
absolute if breaking it would lead to
greater good, such as revelation of
serious illness of a patient to the public
who could pose grave threat to others
(E.G. COVID)
● Difficulty to predict consequences
○ In most situations, we have our prior experience
and, as Mill argued, the past history of the
human race to help guide us in quickly judging
the tendencies of actions
To everyone present here today, thank you for engaging in this
debate. From the beginning, we have maintained that
consequentialist theory is not only superior but far more In choosing the best action which provides the most benefit, it
rational in the application of ethical theory. is inevitable that some individuals' needs or benefits will be
overlooked which is where our moral flexibility and
Throughout, we have emphasized the main objects of compromise lies.
consequentialist theory such as the maximization of greater
good and decision making, its practicality in policy making, and We live fast changing world and as we continue to face local
its moral flexibility and progressive approach. We've clearly and global issues, we must be able to adapt and think critically
explained that consequentialism supports ethical decisions by while considering the long-term effects of our actions that
focusing on outcomes, grounded on real, available information provide the most benefit for everyone.
such as past experiences, history, and the agent's or
institutions knowledge. We now live in a more modern and liberal society, it’s high
time we challenge rigid moral principles to create space for a
While our opponents have argued that________, we once forward-thinking approach. Thank you!
again reiterated that we based the ethical approach on
consequentialism through its expected consequences.

Ideally, it is simpler to adhere to the established norms of

moral principles, without challenging it. However, the world we
live in is not black and white. Sometimes our values may be in
shades of gray as no action or choice is purely good nor purely
evil.

The application of consequentialist theory does not tell us to

set aside our morals or disregard the well-being of minorities.
It encourages us to weigh our values and actions in making
decisions which would provide greater good and best possible
outcome that maximizes our overall well-being, because
realistically, tough decisions always require compromise.