Which ethical philosophy focuses on the greatest good for the largest number?

Utilitarianism is an ethical philosophy that emphasizes the importance of outcomes and consequences in determining the moral worth of an action. It posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. This philosophical approach evaluates the ethical implications based on the results it produces, aiming for the greatest benefit to the majority.

In the context of ethical decision-making, utilitarianism assesses actions by considering the total happiness or welfare they generate, making it particularly relevant in fields like healthcare, where resource allocation often impacts large populations. This focus on the collective well-being aligns with the principle of achieving the greatest good for the largest number, which is the hallmark of utilitarian thought.

Other ethical philosophies, while valid in their contexts, do not prioritize the collective outcomes in the same manner. Rights-based ethics centers on individual rights and their protection, duty-based ethics emphasizes adherence to moral duties or obligations, and virtue-based ethics is concerned with the character and virtues of the moral agent. These approaches may lead to different conclusions and do not inherently focus on maximizing overall well-being across a group. Hence, utilitarianism distinctly aligns with the idea of achieving the greatest good for the largest number.