Which ethical theory focuses on choosing actions that provide the greatest benefit to the majority?

Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that emphasizes actions which maximize overall happiness or benefit for the greatest number of people. This approach assesses the moral worth of an action based on its outcome, seeking to produce the highest good for the majority.

In practice, utilitarianism weighs the consequences of different options and advocates for choosing the action that results in the most favorable balance of benefits over harm. This principle is crucial in decision-making processes, especially in fields like healthcare, public policy, and athletic training, where the impact of actions can affect many individuals.

Other ethical theories focus on different aspects of morality. For example, formalism tends to prioritize rules and duties rather than outcomes, ethical egoism focuses on actions that promote one’s self-interest, and virtue ethics concentrates on the character and virtues of the individual rather than the consequences of specific actions. These distinctions highlight why utilitarianism is uniquely situated to address collective benefits effectively.