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Consequentialism
Consequentialism is the family of ethical theories that judge an action only by its outcomes.
Summary
- Utilitarianism is the best known version. It counts the right act as the one that produces the most wellbeing.
- It contrasts with deontology, which holds that some acts are wrong whatever they lead to.
- Critics say it can permit serious harm to one person if enough others benefit.
Interview questions
- What is consequentialism?
- Is it ever right to lie to a patient if the outcome is better for them?
- Does the end justify the means in medicine?
Practise answering these with a mentor
Our interview preparation has you answer questions like these out loud, with feedback on each answer.
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More NHS hot topics, medical ethics case studies and medical school interview questions are in AlphaMED Resources, which we add to and update through the application cycle.