William Shaw and Thomas Nagle Research Paper

Given the fact that you will be dealing with people who will not share the same values, means that you must be prepared to go to the same level as them (especially during times of emergency). In this aspect, breaking the various constraints is justified as it is creating the most positive benefit for the group. (Nagel 168 -- 188)

The different constraints are not considered to be an illusion. This is because the authority that an entity will have over society; will depend upon if there is an emergency that is being faced. During times when this is occurring, these constraints will shift, as they must adjust to the different realities. Once the objective of achieving the greatest amount of good has been accomplished, is when the previous constraints will become standard values in society. Where, the underlying nature of the threat has been mitigated. (Shaw)

There are a number of different critics, who will claim that consquentialism is taking a general approach when examining life. As consquentialists are using the greatest amount of good, to help as many people as possible. In this aspect, critics will often argue that there are some situations, where someone will inevitably loose. Once this takes place, it means that you are working counterproductively against the theory's objectives. ("Consequentialism") In this case, critics are missing the point of consquentialism, which is to choose the least amount of damage, to have the greatest effect on everyone. This is important, because the person that they referring to who loses, may not necessarily be losing. The reason why is because, a part of the theory is helping one another to achieve the greatest amount of good. As a result, the benefits that group would receive could be used in the future to help the individual. At which point, they are no longer losing. Instead, a win -- win situation has been created for everyone. This is what makes the theory of consequentialism superior to others. As it will seek to find the most positive solutions for the various challenges everyone must deal with.

Clearly, consequentialism is having a profound impact upon deontological theory. As it is establishing possible situations, where, the most positive results can be achieved. Where, theory allows for individuals to be able to move away from deontological constraints, based upon changes in the real world. In many ways, one could argue that this is what makes the consequential theory superior to others. Where, it will provide everyone with a standard for living their lives and adjusting for changes that are occurring, so that the greatest amounts of good can be achieved.

Bibliography

Consequentialism. Stanford University, 2006. Web. 15 Oct. 2010.

Nagel, Thomas. "Ethics." The View from Nowhere. New York, NY: Oxford University Press, n.d.. 164 -- 188

Shaw, William. The Consequentialist Perspective, n.d.

MLA Format http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/