What aspect does end-based ethical thinking prioritize?

• A. Enforcing rules consistently
• B. Promoting fairness for all
• C. Optimizing the collective outcome
• D. Adhering to social contracts

Answer: (C)

End-based ethical thinking, often referred to as utilitarianism, primarily emphasizes the outcomes or consequences of actions. This perspective prioritizes achieving the greatest good for the greatest number of people, which aligns with optimizing the collective outcome.

When individuals engage in end-based ethical reasoning, they evaluate the potential benefits and harms of various actions to determine which one will produce the most favorable results for the stakeholders involved. This approach requires considering not just the immediate effects but also the long-term implications of decisions, ultimately guiding actions that maximize overall well-being.

In contrast, the other options focus on different ethical considerations. For instance, enforcing rules consistently centers on adherence to established norms regardless of the outcomes. Promoting fairness for all emphasizes equal treatment and justice without necessarily considering the overall results. Adhering to social contracts highlights the importance of mutual agreements and societal expectations rather than the end results of actions. These frameworks differ from the end-based approach, which is specifically about the consequences and collective benefits derived from choices.