What is the purpose of utilitarian calculus?

Utilitarian calculus is a concept rooted in consequentialist ethics that aims to provide a systematic approach to evaluating the ethical implications of actions based on their outcomes. The primary focus is on determining the option that produces the greatest overall well-being or happiness for the greatest number of people affected by that action. This method relies on quantifying the benefits and harms associated with different choices, allowing individuals and policymakers to make decisions that optimize positive consequences for the collective.

Utilitarian calculus emphasizes the importance of considering the consequences of actions rather than adhering strictly to rules or duties. In this framework, ethical decision-making is viewed through the lens of maximizing overall utility, making it a practical tool for assessing various scenarios in both individual and societal contexts. The result is a more flexible approach to ethics, one that prioritizes outcomes over intentions.

By concentrating on the broader impact of actions on the population, utilitarian calculus seeks to evaluate the ethical implications based on measurable results, which is central to the philosophy of utilitarianism itself. This makes the choice that highlights the greatest good for the greatest number the most accurate reflection of utilitarian calculus.