What is the primary aim of utilitarianism?

What is the primary aim of utilitarianism?

• A. The greatest happiness for the greatest number.
• B. To maximize wealth and power.
• C. To follow rigid duties regardless of outcomes.
• D. To maximize personal freedom without regard to others.

Answer: (A)

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism that judges actions by their outcomes and aims to maximize overall happiness or welfare. The primary aim is to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number, meaning we look at the net balance of good over bad for everyone affected and choose the action that increases total well-being. This view treats happiness (or welfare) as the key measure of value and requires impartial consideration of everyone’s interests, not just our own. So a policy or action is good if, on balance, it leads to more happiness than unhappiness for the overall group, even if it sacrifices some individuals’ interests. That’s why this option is the best fit: it captures the goal of maximizing overall well-being for the most people. It’s not focused on accumulating wealth or power, nor on following duties rigidly regardless of outcomes, nor on pursuing personal freedom without regard to others.

Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism that judges actions by their outcomes and aims to maximize overall happiness or welfare. The primary aim is to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number, meaning we look at the net balance of good over bad for everyone affected and choose the action that increases total well-being.

This view treats happiness (or welfare) as the key measure of value and requires impartial consideration of everyone’s interests, not just our own. So a policy or action is good if, on balance, it leads to more happiness than unhappiness for the overall group, even if it sacrifices some individuals’ interests.

That’s why this option is the best fit: it captures the goal of maximizing overall well-being for the most people. It’s not focused on accumulating wealth or power, nor on following duties rigidly regardless of outcomes, nor on pursuing personal freedom without regard to others.