Final answer:
The notion that the right choice in a moral situation is the one that results in the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people is called utilitarianism, a principle mainly developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
Step-by-step explanation:
Utilitarianism and the Greatest Happiness Principle
The concept that describes the moral choice as one that produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people is known as utilitarianism. This philosophical view, prominently advanced by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, posits that the morality of an action is based on its outcome or the consequences it produces. Utilitarianism seeks to maximize happiness and welfare, which is often summarized by the mantra of 'the greatest happiness for the greatest number.' When applied to a moral dilemma, an individual, or 'agent', should consider the net happiness that each potential action would cause and choose the one that results in the highest sum of happiness, taking into account the well-being of all those affected by the action rather than just the majority or oneself.
To calculate the greatest happiness, one would need to consider all available options, predict the potential happiness resulting from each, and determine which option maximizes overall happiness or interest satisfaction for the greatest number of people. In this framework, both increasing happiness and reducing unhappiness are valuable goals. Therefore, utilitarians endorse actions, policies, or rules that lead to the greatest net benefit in terms of happiness and well-being for society as a whole.