In ethical decision making, which statement describes the concept of consequences?

• A. The reason why a person acted as they did
• B. The outcome of an action
• C. The legality of action
• D. Does the outcome of an action justify how it was carried out

Answer: (D)

The concept of consequences refers to the outcome or results of an action. In ethical decision making, we look at what happens because of a choice, which is the focus of evaluating consequences. The statement about whether the outcome justifies how the action was carried out discusses whether ends can justify means—it's about the relationship between results and methods, not what consequences themselves are. Motives describe why someone acted, legality concerns whether an action is allowed by law, and the outcome is simply what results from the action.