Which ethical framework is most prevalent in the West, focusing on the greatest good for the greatest number?

Utilitarian ethics is primarily concerned with maximizing overall happiness and minimizing suffering. The guiding principle of this framework is to assess the consequences of actions and choose those that result in the greatest benefit for the largest number of people. This approach emphasizes a results-oriented mindset, where the moral rightness of an action is determined by its outcomes.

Utilitarianism's prevalence in Western thought can be traced back to philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who advocated for the idea that actions should be evaluated based on their contribution to overall utility. This perspective is especially influential in discussions surrounding public policy, economics, and social justice, where considerations of efficiency and benefit to the majority are paramount.

In contrast, other ethical frameworks take different approaches. Deontological ethics, for example, focuses on adherence to moral rules and duties regardless of the consequences, while virtue ethics emphasizes the development of moral character and virtues rather than the outcomes of actions. Relativistic ethics considers the context of cultural and personal beliefs in determining what is ethical; this contrasts sharply with the utilitarian commitment to objective assessment of consequences. Hence, utilitarian ethics stands out as the dominant framework that prioritizes the welfare of the collective in Western ethical discourse.