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Which ethical theory judges actions by the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people?

Utilitarianism, developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

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  1. Utilitarianism ✔
  2. Virtue ethics
  3. Moral relativism

Why: Utilitarianism says an action is right if it produces the most happiness for the most people. Its name comes from utility, meaning usefulness. Some utilitarians even try to score happiness with points.

Huh, didn't know that: Utilitarians define happiness as enjoyment, not the deep flourishing of virtue ethics.

The dad joke
Why did the utilitarian share his pizza? More slices, more smiles.
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References

Answer: Utilitarianism. Utilitarianism says an action is right if it produces the most happiness for the most people. Its name comes from utility, meaning usefulness. Some utilitarians even try to score happiness with points.

  1. Learn to Lead, Volume 3: Indirect Leadership, chapter 9 (Civil Air Patrol) www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/L2LVolume_3__LOW_FINAL_4_MAY_13CC68236BDFE.pdf
    Ethics is a matter of producing the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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