Which ethical theory is concerned with the outcomes of actions?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. The core principle of this theory is to promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism focuses on the results of actions, determining their moral worth by the overall happiness or utility they produce. This means that an action is considered ethical if it leads to positive outcomes and serves to enhance overall well-being, even if the action itself may not seem inherently good.

In contrast, rights-based ethics centers on the entitlements individuals have, regardless of the outcomes. Duty-based ethics emphasizes the importance of following moral rules or duties, irrespective of the consequences. Justice-based ethics focuses on fairness and the distribution of benefits and burdens among individuals, often considering factors like equality and equity rather than just the outcomes of actions.

Thus, the emphasis on outcomes is distinctively aligned with utilitarianism, making it the correct answer.