Which concept describes evaluating actions by the greater good of the majority?

Which concept describes evaluating actions by the greater good of the majority?

• A. Deontology
• B. Utilitarianism
• C. Virtue ethics
• D. Ethics of care

Answer: (B)

Utilitarianism evaluates actions by their consequences, aiming to maximize the greatest good for the greatest number. In practice this means judging what is morally right based on the overall welfare or happiness produced, not simply on duties, rules, or the character of the person performing the act. In criminal justice, this approach pushes decisions toward outcomes that benefit the majority—such as policies that reduce harm or save more lives—even if that means some individuals might be disadvantaged. This stands in contrast to deontology, which focuses on adherence to moral rules regardless of outcomes; virtue ethics, which centers on the character and virtues of the actor; and ethics of care, which emphasizes relationships and responsibilities to others in particular contexts. A useful way to see it is to imagine allocating limited resources to minimize total harm: the choice would be guided by which allocation yields the greatest overall welfare, even if it means making tough trade-offs. Keep in mind, though, utilitarian reasoning can raise concerns about protecting minority rights and how to measure welfare, since what counts as “the greater good” can be subjective and complex to assess.

Utilitarianism evaluates actions by their consequences, aiming to maximize the greatest good for the greatest number. In practice this means judging what is morally right based on the overall welfare or happiness produced, not simply on duties, rules, or the character of the person performing the act. In criminal justice, this approach pushes decisions toward outcomes that benefit the majority—such as policies that reduce harm or save more lives—even if that means some individuals might be disadvantaged. This stands in contrast to deontology, which focuses on adherence to moral rules regardless of outcomes; virtue ethics, which centers on the character and virtues of the actor; and ethics of care, which emphasizes relationships and responsibilities to others in particular contexts. A useful way to see it is to imagine allocating limited resources to minimize total harm: the choice would be guided by which allocation yields the greatest overall welfare, even if it means making tough trade-offs. Keep in mind, though, utilitarian reasoning can raise concerns about protecting minority rights and how to measure welfare, since what counts as “the greater good” can be subjective and complex to assess.