Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is the idea that the moral worth of an action is determined solely by its contribution to overall utility: that is, its contribution to happiness or pleasure as summed among all people. It is thus a form of consequentialism, meaning that the moral worth of an action is determined by its outcome. 

Utility, the good to be maximized, has been defined by various thinkers as happiness or pleasure versus suffering or pain, although preference utilitarian’s like Peter Singer define it as the satisfaction of preferences. It may be described as a life stance, with happiness or pleasure being of ultimate importance.

Utilitarianism is described by the phrase the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Therefore, it is also known as the greatest happiness principle. Utilitarianism can thus be characterized as a quantitative approach to ethics. It can be contrasted with deontological ethics as well as with other varieties of consequentialism. 

Adherents of these opposing views have extensively criticized the utilitarian view, but utilitarian’s have been similarly critical of other schools of thought. And like any ethical theory, the application of utilitarianism is heavily dependent on the moral agent's full range of wisdom, experience, social skills, and life skills.