Consequentialism is an ethical theory that determines the rightness or wrongness of an action based solely on its consequences. A good action is one that produces good results, while a bad action leads to bad results. The morality of an action is judged by its outcome rather than the action itself. For example, while lying is often considered wrong, consequentialism suggests that if a lie leads to a better overall outcome (such as saving a life), then it could be morally right. Consequentialism does not specify what makes a consequence good or bad; different versions, such as utilitarianism, define this in different ways.