Successful ethical discussion depends on people who have a clear sense of personal values. Which of the following does utilitarianism propose?

• A. The value of something is determined by its usefulness to society
• B. The right action is the one that adheres to universal rules
• C. Moral decisions are based on relational duties
• D. Virtue is the most important factor

Answer: (A)

Utilitarianism evaluates the value of an action by its consequences for overall well‑being. The goal is to maximize happiness or welfare for the greatest number, so the usefulness of something to society is a way of measuring its positive impact on people. This aligns with the idea that morality rests on the outcome for the community, not on rigid duties or inherent virtues.

The other possibilities reflect different ethical theories: following universal rules points to deontology, moral decisions grounded in relational duties align with care or relational ethics, and prioritizing virtuous character reflects virtue ethics.