Summary Outline: Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on outcomes to

determine what is right and wrong. It explains the most ethical
choice is the one that produces the greatest good for the majority
of people. Because of the way it accounts for costs and benefits, it
is also the most common approach to moral reasoning used in
business. However, one utilitarianism's limitations is since we
cannot predict the future, it is difficult to predict whether the
consequences of our actions will be positive or negative.

Many of us use moral reasoning in on a regular basis. When asked

to explain why we believe we have a moral obligation to do
something, we often choose the good that will result from the
action or the harm that it will prevent. One good example I could
think of is being a student council leader. He/she’s responsible for
deciding the final outcome he/she desires but they often choose
the one that has the potential to benefit everyone or in simple
words, for the greater good.

In today's world, which some have dubbed "the age of self-

interest," utilitarianism serves as a powerful reminder that morality
requires us to look beyond the self to the good of all.