Utilitarianism is best described as

• A. The morality of action is based on duties and obligations.
• B. The morality of action is determined by the consequences of actions.
• C. The morality of action is based on happiness.
• D. The morality of action is defined by religious commandments.

Answer: (B)

Utilitarianism judges actions by their outcomes, with morality determined by the consequences and the goal of maximizing overall well-being or happiness for the greatest number. This focus on outcomes—what results from an action—defines it as a form of consequentialism, where the rightness of an act depends on the amount of good it produces compared to the bad it causes.

This sets it apart from actions judged by duties and obligations (deontological ethics), which emphasize rules and duties rather than results. It also distinguishes it from divine-command or religiously commanded ethics, which base morality on commandments rather than the effects of actions. While happiness or well-being is central to utilitarian aims, the key feature is evaluating actions by their consequences, not solely by whether they align with a rule or a divine directive.