What philosophical approach is mentioned as producing pleasure and being morally right if it generates utility?

Utilitarianism is a consequentialist philosophical approach that evaluates the morality of actions based on their outcomes, specifically focused on maximizing happiness or pleasure while minimizing suffering. This ethical framework holds that an action is considered morally right if it produces the greatest amount of utility, which can be understood as overall well-being or happiness for the greatest number of people. The principle of utility is central to this philosophy, suggesting that ethical decisions should be guided by the potential benefits and consequences for everyone affected.

In contrast to the other options, utilitarianism centers solely on the results of actions rather than the intentions behind them or adherence to rules. Deontology, for instance, asserts that some actions are inherently right or wrong based on moral rules, while virtue ethics emphasizes the character and virtues of the moral agent themselves, rather than the outcomes of their actions. Social contract theory focuses on the agreements and social norms that govern ethical behavior within a society, distinct from the utilitarian approach of assessing actions based on their utility. Therefore, the accuracy of identifying utilitarianism as the philosophical approach concerned with producing pleasure and being morally right if it generates utility lies in its foundational belief in the collective benefit derived from actions.