Utilitarianism is often categorized under which philosophical framework?

Utilitarianism is indeed categorized under consequentialism, which is a philosophical framework that assesses the morality of actions based on their outcomes or consequences. In utilitarianism, the central tenet is that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility. This means that actions are judged by their results rather than by any intrinsic moral values or rules. The focus is on achieving the greatest good for the greatest number, emphasizing practical outcomes over strict adherence to moral principles.

Consequentialism, as a broader category, includes theories that evaluate the rightness or wrongness of actions based on the net positive or negative effects they produce. Utilitarianism is one specific form of consequentialism that particularly focuses on happiness or welfare as the measure of utility. This approach allows for a flexible and often pragmatic way of evaluating ethical dilemmas, which is why it falls under consequentialism rather than deontology, virtue ethics, or libertarianism.