What principle is associated with the greatest good for the greatest number of people?

The Utilitarian Principle is focused on maximizing overall happiness and well-being. It posits that the best action is the one that results in the greatest good for the greatest number of people, prioritizing collective benefits over individual interests. This ethical framework evaluates actions based on their outcomes and aims to produce the highest net positive effects for society as a whole. By this principle, decisions are justified if they contribute to overall utility, which is a core concept in utilitarianism.

The other principles mentioned do not share this focus on collective outcomes. The Universalist Principle emphasizes universal standards of morality that apply to all individuals, the Individualist Principle prioritizes the rights and autonomy of the individual, and the Relativist Principle suggests that ethical truths depend on the cultural or societal context. Each of these frameworks approaches ethics from different angles, but the Utilitarian Principle specifically addresses the idea of maximizing welfare for the largest group.