Ethan Reyes

English III

Mrs. Carrol, Mr. Kelly

Ten Simple Rules By A Consequentialist

Ethics is a topic that is unknowingly yet constantly debated throughout everyday life. It is

what people decide to be right or wrong. Having many definitions, it is interpreted differently by

each and every human being. Justice works in a similar fashion except that it is the action of

enforcing ethics. When a criminal is stopped by authorities, they are demonstrating justice. The

reason behind their actions is that the criminal was not being ethical; a crime would be

considered not ethical. If the authorities allowed this criminal to roam around, the most probable

result is that they would commit more crimes. In favor of this thinking, there are ten rules to live

by that function based off of the consequentialist ethics framework.

For a better understanding of this point on ethics, here a set of rules made to set

guidelines for what a good person would do. It begins with 1: Do not harm, including yourself. If

you bring harm to anyone, including yourself, it affects either you, or other people you may

know. It’s best to think in a way that considers the possibilities of a situation. This kind of

thinking applies to the rest of the rules, as they require people to consider what may happen if

they break them. Rule 2 is to not use envy or prejudice as a motive. This is something that is

done very often in society, but isn’t anymore healthy than it is popular. People speak to and act

upon others with envy and/or prejudice on their mind, which are both forms of negativity. It is

best to consider how others may feel about how one acts before doing. Rule 3 is to not dishonor
your spouse. Once someone is married, they shouldn’t abuse, cheat on, or turn on their spouse.

The majority of modern marriages do not last too long. They usually end with fighting, and

eventually, divorce papers. As sad as it is, it is the result of not considering one other’s point of

view. Rule 4 is to put others before yourself. Rule 4 is almost the consequentialist framework

being restated. It is to consider how others feel before one acts. Empathy is the key to Rule 4.

Rule 5 is simple. Do not destroy what doesn’t belong to you. Whether it be physical materials, or

a relationship. If enough thought is put into it, anyone will realize that meddling with other

people’s things isn’t very smart. It causes a commotion and can possibly ruin lives. It can be

noticed that consideration is the main thought process behind each rule. Rule 6 is to take

responsibility for your faults. If one commits an injustice, consider how people could be affected

if that person doesn’t own up to their actions. Someone is going to receive the consequences, and

it will be their fault for allowing those consequences to fall upon another person. Rule 7 is to not

murder. Simply not to kill another person. That person could have a family who will be affected

if they suddenly disappear that day. Again, consideration is key. Rule 8 is to not degrade others,

nor yourself. Don’t put others down for any reason. There is no good reason for degrading a

fellow human being. Someone also shouldn’t put themself down for any reason because it isn’t

healthy in any way. Self-depreciation is another common thing in society, and as popular as it is,

it isn’t any healthier. Onto Rule 9: Have general integrity. When no one is around, people

sometimes feel like doing things that they wouldn’t do in front of certain people. A good person

should be true to who they are no matter where they are. The people who aren’t that way are

called “fake.” Last but not least, rule 10 is literally the consequentialist framework; to consider

possibilities before acting. It is self explanatory, as it is somewhat the consequentialist

framework itself. All of these ten rules work around the idea of a consequentialist mindset. These

rules require thinking that is “considering the people who will be directly or indirectly affected,”

which is an example of consequentialist thinking (Brown 2).

In developing these ten rules, it took multiple steps to come through with the final

product. First, they started off as ten simple conceptual rules. They were very broad and basic.

Essentially, the first draft was a set of rules that prevented people from spreading negativity onto

others and themselves. Revisions were made in order to combine the basic rules into more

refined guidelines. The original rule 1 and 2 were added to, while 8-10 were combined into one.

This was done in order to make the rules less redundant. Some of the rules, 8-10 for example,

were originally so similar that they could be combined into one. After the revisions, other rules

were formed in order to expand the list’s uses.

In conclusion, if I myself lived by these rules, I would be considered a good person. If

people knew what rules I live by, it would help them understand why I act the way I do, and why

it makes sense. If everyone else lived by these rules, people would make the most considerate

decisions, and would act accordingly. The the world would definitely be a better place.