Which ethical principle focuses on the greatest good for the greatest number?

Utilitarianism is an ethical principle that emphasizes the outcomes or consequences of actions, advocating for those that promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This principle is rooted in the idea that ethical actions are those that maximize overall happiness or well-being while minimizing suffering. In its essence, utilitarianism assesses the moral worth of an action based on its contribution to overall utility, making it a key concept in discussions about ethics, particularly in areas such as business, healthcare, and public policy.

Other ethical principles mentioned have different focuses. Duty-based ethics, for instance, emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties regardless of the outcomes they produce. Right-based ethics prioritizes the rights of individuals and their entitlements, often focusing on justice and fairness rather than the aggregate good. Organizational ethics would be more concerned with the moral codes and responsibilities within a specific organization rather than the broader societal impact. Thus, utilitarianism distinctly stands out by measuring the rightness of actions through their consequences for the collective welfare.