Which ethical approach is guided by what will result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people?

• A. Utilitarian Approach
• B. Rights Approach
• C. Justice Approach
• D. Virtue Approach

Answer: (A)

Maximizing the greatest good for the greatest number means judging actions by their consequences and choosing the option that yields the most overall welfare. This is the utilitarian approach, which evaluates actions based on the total benefits and harms they produce for all affected people. It differs from the rights approach, which centers on preserving individual rights regardless of overall totals; the justice approach, which prioritizes fairness and equitable distribution; and the virtue approach, which emphasizes the moral character of the person performing the action rather than the outcomes. In practice, utilitarian reasoning weighs the overall net benefits across everyone involved to guide decision making toward the greatest overall welfare.