Consequentialism and Rational Choice

Bruno Verbeek
Amsterdam University

This paper investigates the relation between consequentialism and standard expected utility theory. Following Hammond (1988), it argues that standard expected utility theory is implied by consequentialism. It shows furthermore that consequentialism is not neutral with regard to the values of the agent. Consequentialism, as well as standard expected utility theory, is incompatible with the recognition of values such as fairness, desert, regret, or disappointment. I conclude that consequentialism should be rejected as a principle of rational choice. Moreover, this is sufficient reason to doubt whether standard expected utility theory is the theory of rational choice.