Utilitarian Ethics
Utilitarian ethics is a normative ethical theory that judges the morality of actions based on their consequences, specifically aiming to maximize overall happiness or well-being (often termed 'utility') for the greatest number of people. It is a form of consequentialism that focuses on outcomes rather than intentions or rules, and it is commonly associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill. In practice, it involves evaluating decisions by weighing the benefits and harms to all affected parties to determine the most ethical course of action.
Developers should learn utilitarian ethics to make informed, ethical decisions in technology development, such as when designing algorithms that impact user privacy, creating AI systems with societal implications, or prioritizing features in software that affect diverse user groups. It is particularly useful in scenarios involving trade-offs, like balancing innovation with safety, or when considering the broader social consequences of technological choices, helping to align projects with ethical standards and public good.