Description: Utilitarian ethics is an ethical theory that holds that the best action is the one that maximizes happiness and overall well-being. This perspective focuses on the consequences of actions, evaluating their morality based on the results they produce. Instead of considering absolute principles or moral duties, utilitarianism is based on the idea that the moral value of an action is determined by its ability to generate the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This theory promotes the idea that decisions should be made considering the impact they will have on collective happiness, which implies a pragmatic and often quantitative approach to ethics. Utilitarianism is characterized by its flexibility, allowing specific circumstances to influence moral evaluation. However, it also faces criticism, particularly regarding the possibility of justifying actions that could be considered immoral if they result in greater overall well-being. As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes an integral part of decision-making in various areas, utilitarian ethics becomes relevant, as it can be applied to assess the implications of automated decisions on human well-being.
