Ashesi is going through an overhaul and Patrick has proposed that we adopt a consequentialist posture; seeking the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people in all things. Advise the Governing Council whether this is a good idea or not.

Adopting a consequentialist posture, as proposed by Patrick, could have both positive and negative implications for Ashesi.

On the positive side, consequentialism focuses on the outcomes of actions, aiming to achieve the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This could potentially lead to decisions that benefit the majority of the Ashesi community, promoting overall welfare and satisfaction. It could also encourage a more utilitarian approach to decision-making, where the focus is on maximizing positive outcomes and minimizing negative ones.

However, there are also potential downsides to this approach. Consequentialism can sometimes lead to the neglect of minority interests, as decisions are made based on what benefits the majority. This could potentially lead to unfair situations where the needs and interests of some individuals or groups are overlooked.

Furthermore, consequentialism does not take into account the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, only their outcomes. This could potentially lead to unethical decisions being made if they are seen to result in a greater overall good.

In conclusion, while adopting a consequentialist posture could potentially lead to decisions that benefit the majority of the Ashesi community, it is important to also consider the potential downsides of this approach. The Governing Council should carefully consider these factors before making a decision.