Which statement best captures utilitarianism in ethical decision making?

• A. Utilitarianism focuses on individual rights above all else.
• B. Rights-based ethics rejects any consideration of outcomes.
• C. Utilitarianism aims to maximize overall good.
• D. Agency theory analyzes the relationship between stakeholders and the market.

Answer: (C)

Utilitarianism in ethical decision making centers on maximizing overall good. It judges actions by their consequences and seeks the greatest good for the greatest number, treating overall welfare or happiness as the key measure of rightness. This outcome-focused standard sets it apart from approaches that prioritize duties or rights regardless of outcomes, since the moral value of an action depends on the net beneficial impact for everyone affected. The statement that utilitarianism aims to maximize overall good best captures this idea. The other descriptions misrepresent the framework: prioritizing individual rights above all else aligns more with rights-based or deontological ethics, while the claim that rights-based ethics rejects any consideration of outcomes isn’t accurate; agency theory concerns governance and the principal–agent relationship, not utilitarian decision making.