Which ethical theory promotes decisions that lead to the greatest good for the largest number of people?

Utilitarianism is the ethical theory that focuses on actions that produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This principle is based on the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome, specifically the overall happiness or utility it generates. Utilitarianism weighs the consequences of actions to evaluate their moral implications, advocating for decisions that maximize total happiness or well-being.

In the context of healthcare and ethics, utilitarian principles are often applied when determining policies or treatment options that affect large populations. For example, public health policies, vaccination programs, and resource allocation in healthcare systems can be guided by utilitarian considerations, striving to benefit the majority while minimizing harm.

Other ethical theories offer different perspectives: Deontology emphasizes the importance of duty and adherence to moral rules regardless of outcomes, Virtue Ethics prioritizes character traits and moral virtues, and Social Contract Theory focuses on the agreements that shape societal norms and obligations. However, none of these frameworks prioritize the greatest good for the largest number as utilitarianism does, making it the correct answer to the question.