What aspect of ethics do utilitarians primarily evaluate?

Utilitarianism focuses on the outcomes or consequences of actions, specifically evaluating them in terms of the overall happiness or utility they produce. This ethical framework posits that the best action is the one that maximizes good consequences, such as pleasure or happiness, for the greatest number of people. The core principle is that the moral worth of an action is determined by its results; if an action leads to happiness, it is considered ethical, while actions leading to unhappiness are deemed unethical.

In contrast, compliance with laws and regulations emphasizes adherence to established rules rather than the outcomes of actions. The character and integrity of the decision-maker focus on personal virtues and moral character, rather than the consequences of their actions. Finally, adherence to duty and obligation reflects a deontological perspective that prioritizes the morality of actions based on rules or duties, rather than the results those actions yield. Utilitarianism distinctly separates itself by centering the evaluation of ethics on the balance of happiness produced by various actions.