Are most people consequentialists?

Welfare economics relies on consequentialism even though many philosophers have questioned this assumption. Survey evidence, based on a representative sample in Sweden, is presented here suggesting that most people's ethical perceptions are consistent with consequentialism.

► Consequentialism is the most fundamental ethics assumptions in welfare economics. ► Thus, the consequences rather than e.g. inherent rights are what matter intrinsically. ► Many philosophers have questioned consequentialism. ► Yet, the results from a Swedish survey suggest that most people are consequentialists. ► This is particularly the case for young, university-educated respondents with high incomes.