The phrase 'the end justifies the means' is associated with which ethical theory?

The phrase 'the end justifies the means' is associated with which ethical theory?

• A. Utilitarianism
• B. Deontology
• C. Virtue Ethics
• D. Care Ethics

Answer: (A)

Think about morality in terms of outcomes. The expression reflects a consequentialist view: what matters most is the result, and actions that lead to the best overall outcome can be considered right even if the methods are questionable. Utilitarianism embodies this approach, aiming to maximize overall welfare or happiness. It evaluates actions by their consequences and judges the rightness of an action by how much good it produces for the greatest number. In contrast, deontology would insist that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of outcomes because of duties or rules, while virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person performing the act, and care ethics emphasizes relationships and responsibilities to others. So the best fit for this phrase is utilitarianism.

Think about morality in terms of outcomes. The expression reflects a consequentialist view: what matters most is the result, and actions that lead to the best overall outcome can be considered right even if the methods are questionable. Utilitarianism embodies this approach, aiming to maximize overall welfare or happiness. It evaluates actions by their consequences and judges the rightness of an action by how much good it produces for the greatest number.

In contrast, deontology would insist that certain actions are inherently right or wrong regardless of outcomes because of duties or rules, while virtue ethics focuses on the character of the person performing the act, and care ethics emphasizes relationships and responsibilities to others. So the best fit for this phrase is utilitarianism.