What ethical theory focuses on providing the greatest good to society?

Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that emphasizes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This consequentialist approach evaluates actions based on their outcomes, specifically how they contribute to overall happiness and well-being in society. Utilitarian theorists, like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, argue that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its ability to produce the most favorable balance of benefits over harms.

In this framework, decisions are made by weighing the potential benefits and detriments of various actions to determine which one will lead to the best outcome for the largest number of people. This orientation promotes actions that enhance the collective welfare rather than focusing on individual rights or duties, making it particularly relevant in discussions about social policies, business practices, and ethical decision-making in society as a whole.

This theory stands in contrast to deontology, which prioritizes the morality of actions themselves based on rules or duties rather than consequences. Virtue ethics centers on the character and virtues of individuals, while ethical relativism suggests that moral standards are culturally based and can vary significantly between societies. Each of these perspectives contributes to the broader discourse on ethics but does not hold the same focus on maximizing societal welfare as utilitarianism does.