Which statements describe utilitarianism?

There is more than one correct answer.

Question

Which statements describe utilitarianism?

There is more than one correct answer.

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

Question restatement: The prompt asks which statements describe utilitarianism and notes that more than one answer is correct.
Option A: 'The best decision is the one that achieves the greatest good for the greatest number of people.' This statement directly reflects the core utilitarian principle often summarized as 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number,' where the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome in terms of overall welfare.
Option B: 'Focuses on the consequences of decisions.' Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism, meaning its ethical value hinges on the results or consequences of actions rather than on intentions, rules, or intrinsic properties. Therefore, emphasizing consequences is a correct characterization.
On the other hand, if there were other potential statements describing utilitarianism, they would need to align with the idea that outcomes for overall well-being matter and that the morality of an action is judged by its utility. Statements that emphasize rules, duties, or intrinsic moral worth outside of resulting happiness would be inconsistent with utilitarianism and thus would be incorrect.
In summary, both provided statements coherently describe utilitarianism: it assesses decisions by their consequences and aims for the greatest good for the greatest number, fitting the essential definition of a consequentialist ethical theory.

Which statements describe utilitarianism? There is more than one correct answer.

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