Consequentialism is an ethical theory and a major concept in normative ethics that posits the moral rightness or wrongness of an action is determined solely by its consequences or outcomes. As an academic concept, it investigates the relationship between acts, rules, or policies and the resulting states of affairs, asserting that the optimal choice is the one that maximizes a specified measure of value, such as overall welfare or utility. Its significance lies in providing a foundational framework for evaluating moral actions and guiding decision-making based on their perceived impact on the world.