In utilitarian ethics, how is the value of an action determined?

• A. By its usefulness or consequences
• B. By its inherent moral worth
• C. By the actor's intentions
• D. By adherence to universal rules

Answer: (A)

Utilitarian ethics judge the value of an action by its consequences—specifically, by how much overall happiness or well-being it produces. An action is considered right if its outcome maximizes good for the greatest number, and wrong if it leads to less overall happiness. This result-focused approach explains why the action’s usefulness or consequences determine its moral value. For instance, if telling a harmless lie would prevent a catastrophe and increase total happiness, a utilitarian would see that lie as morally acceptable because the outcome improves well-being overall. Other ethical theories look at different factors—intrinsic moral worth, the actor’s intentions, or adherence to universal rules—so they would evaluate the same action differently, not mainly on its net consequences.