Final answer:
Spock's statement 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few' reflects the utilitarian philosophy that the greatest good for the greatest number is the measure of right. It differs from distributive justice and Kantianism, as it looks at outcomes rather than equity or categorical duty.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Spock in Star Trek says "the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few", he is using a justice approach aligned with utilitarianism. Utilitarianism, a consequentialist philosophy articulated by theorists like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, assesses the morality of an action by its outcome, specifically whether it maximizes happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. In contrast to distributive justice which may consider equitable distributions based on need, utilitarianism focuses on the overall benefit to society, looking to create the highest level of happiness for the most people without necessarily ensuring equal distribution. Kantianism, differs significantly as it operates on the basis of duty and categorical imperatives, not on the outcomes of actions. It does not quantify the needs or happiness of people but instead focuses on actions adhering to pure moral law.