Consequentialist theories pretend that we can set some great big ends (the general happiness, human flourishing), provide ourselves with definite enough conceptions of them to make them the objects of instrumental reasoning, and then obtain enough reliable information about what actions will best promote them that we could regulate our conduct by these considerations alone.

We can establish empirical criteria for free actions, and investigate human actions on the presupposition we are free.

People are often most proud of precisely those things of which they should most be ashamed.

Kant certainly was sympathetic with the metaphysical tradition of rational theology that he criticized.

It is a cause of shame to any member of the human race to be a member of the same species some of whose members could vote for any candidate for president that has been offered by the Republican party. Such people seem to be motivated only by short-sighted greed, ignorance, fear and hatred.

Consequentialist theories begin with a very simple and undoubtedly valid point: Every action aims at a future end, and is seen as a means to it.

What I most fear now is that within a century or so there may not be any human future at all.