What does the utilitarian system of ethics propose?

• A. The value of something is determined by its usefulness
• B. Actions are right if they align with duties
• C. Truth-telling is the only virtue
• D. Justice is the sole criterion

Answer: (A)

Utilitarian ethics judge the value of actions by their consequences, aiming to maximize overall well-being. The core idea is that something is valuable to the extent that it serves usefulness in producing good outcomes for the greatest number. In practice, this means evaluating actions by how much happiness or welfare they generate and choosing the path that brings the most good for the most people, even if that requires bending or weighing other considerations.

This differs from a duty-based approach, where rightness comes from following rules or duties regardless of outcomes. It also isn’t about a single virtue like truth-telling alone, which would narrow ethics to one trait rather than overall consequences. And while justice can be relevant, it’s not treated as the sole criterion in utilitarianism; justice is weighed alongside the overall balance of good and harm produced.