Final answer:
The ethical theory that posits right choices come from pursuing the greatest happiness for the greatest number is known as utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of actions to determine their moral value.
Step-by-step explanation:
Character-based System of Ethics
The statement in question describes a character-based system of ethics which argues that right choices come from pursuing the "greatest happiness for the greatest number." This is central to the ethical theory of utilitarianism, which is a form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism posits that the morality of an action is determined by its overall utility, typically measured in terms of the happiness or pleasure produced as a result. Founded by Jeremy Bentham and later developed by John Stuart Mill, utilitarianism seeks the greatest good for the greatest number.
Deontology, on the other hand, would not agree with this statement, as it is concerned with the adherence to rules or duties regardless of the outcomes. In contrast, virtue ethics would focus on the character and virtues of an individual performing an action, rather than the consequences of the action itself. Lastly, relativism would imply that the moral rightness of an action is dependent on individual or cultural perspective, which also does not align with the statement describing a pursuit of maximal collective happiness.
Therefore, the correct answer to the student's question is B. Utilitarianism.