According to utilitarianism, what is the ultimate consideration when faced with an ethical dilemma?

According to utilitarianism, the ultimate consideration when faced with an ethical dilemma is maximizing overall happiness and well-being, also known as 'utility,' for the greatest number of people affected by the decision. Utilitarianism is a consequentialist ethical theory, meaning that the morality of an action is determined solely by its consequences. When faced with a choice, a utilitarian approach requires carefully weighing the potential positive and negative outcomes for all stakeholders, including individuals, groups, and even society as a whole. The ethical decision is the one that produces the greatest net balance of happiness over suffering. For example, a company deciding whether to close a factory might consider the potential benefits to shareholders (increased profits) and the potential harms to employees and the community (job losses, economic disruption). A utilitarian analysis would involve quantifying these benefits and harms, and choosing the option that maximizes overall well-being, even if it means some individuals experience negative consequences. It is crucial to consider both short-term and long-term effects, as well as the intensity and duration of the happiness or suffering. The goal isn't simply to create the most happiness, but to create the greatest net happiness after subtracting any suffering caused by the decision. Although applying utilitarianism can be challenging due to the difficulty of accurately predicting and quantifying consequences, its core principle is always to choose the action that promotes the greatest good for the greatest number.