What philosophy argues that actions are right if they benefit the majority?

Utilitarianism is a philosophy that centers around the idea that the rightness of actions is determined by their outcomes, specifically regarding the happiness and well-being of individuals. The core principle of utilitarianism is often summed up as "the greatest good for the greatest number." This indicates that an action is considered morally right if it leads to the most favorable balance of benefits over harms for the majority of people involved.

This philosophy emerged in the 19th century through the works of philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who advocated for evaluating the consequences of actions to determine their moral value. Utilitarianism emphasizes collective welfare and aims to maximize overall happiness, making it a distinctive ethical framework particularly relevant in discussions around public policy and social justice.

As for the other philosophies presented, while consequentialism broadly refers to any ethical theory that considers the consequences of actions, it does not specifically convey the idea of maximizing happiness for the majority. Deontological ethics, on the other hand, focuses on adherence to rules or duties regardless of the consequences, thereby contrasting with the utilitarian emphasis on outcomes. Altruism involves selfless concern for the well-being of others, but it does not necessarily incorporate the principle of maximizing overall benefit as utilitarianism does