What does consequentialism entail in ethical theory?

Consequentialism is an ethical theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of actions based on the outcomes or consequences they produce. This means that a morally right action is one that leads to the best overall results, often defined in terms of maximizing overall good or minimizing harm. Thus, option B is correct because it aligns perfectly with this foundational principle of consequentialism. The focal point is not the actions themselves or the intentions behind them, but rather the end results that those actions bring about.

To further understand why this option is the right one, consider that other ethical theories, such as deontology, concentrate on the nature of the actions or the intentions behind them rather than their outcomes. This contrast highlights the unique perspective of consequentialism, which prioritizes consequences over processes or duties. Additionally, cultural relativism, which might suggest that moral actions are defined by cultural practices, deviates significantly from the central idea of consequentialism, as it does not provide a clear metric for judging the morality of outcomes based on a common standard.