Which ethical model evaluates the morality of actions by the overall good produced, often associated with maximizing happiness?

Which ethical model evaluates the morality of actions by the overall good produced, often associated with maximizing happiness?

• A. Consequentialism
• B. Virtue Ethics
• C. Hedonism
• D. Deontology

Answer: (A)

Evaluating actions by the overall good produced is a hallmark of consequentialism. It asks you to judge morality based on the outcomes—does this action lead to better overall welfare or happiness for those affected? The emphasis is on results rather than on following rules or on the character of the person performing the act. In many versions, especially utilitarianism, the aim is to maximize happiness or well-being across everyone involved. This approach contrasts with deontology, which judges morality by whether actions adhere to duties or rules, regardless of consequences, and with virtue ethics, which focuses on the kind of person you become. Hedonism centers on pleasure as the intrinsic good, which can align with maximizing happiness but is narrower than the broader outcome-focused standard of consequentialism.

Evaluating actions by the overall good produced is a hallmark of consequentialism. It asks you to judge morality based on the outcomes—does this action lead to better overall welfare or happiness for those affected? The emphasis is on results rather than on following rules or on the character of the person performing the act. In many versions, especially utilitarianism, the aim is to maximize happiness or well-being across everyone involved.

This approach contrasts with deontology, which judges morality by whether actions adhere to duties or rules, regardless of consequences, and with virtue ethics, which focuses on the kind of person you become. Hedonism centers on pleasure as the intrinsic good, which can align with maximizing happiness but is narrower than the broader outcome-focused standard of consequentialism.