In Utilitarianism, the moral rightness of an action is primarily determined by what?

In Utilitarianism, the moral rightness of an action is determined by its outcomes or consequences. This ethical theory posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. It emphasizes the results of actions rather than the intentions behind them or the character of the individual performing them. In this framework, an action is deemed morally justified if it leads to positive outcomes that benefit the majority, making the focus on the consequences rather than adhering to specific rules or personal motivations. Thus, the fundamental principle of Utilitarianism is that the ends can justify the means when evaluated through the lens of overall benefit or harm to society.