What term is used to describe ethical theories that evaluate actions based on their consequences?

Utilitarianism is the term used to describe ethical theories that evaluate actions based on their consequences. This ethical framework posits that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, typically defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people. In essence, it assesses the morality of an action or decision by looking at the outcomes it generates, making it a consequentialist approach to ethics.

This principle stands in contrast to other ethical theories such as deontological theory, which focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions themselves, regardless of the outcomes. Virtue ethics emphasizes the character and virtues of the individual performing the action rather than the consequences, while rights-based ethics centers on the rights of individuals involved, which can also lead to different conclusions about the morality of a particular act. Thus, utilitarianism is distinct in its focus on the results of actions as the core determinant of ethical value.