What is utilitarianism and what do the believe?

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that posits that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being. Its key principle is the "greatest happiness principle," which suggests that actions are right if they promote the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Utilitarians evaluate the consequences of actions to determine their moral worth, advocating for choices that lead to the highest net utility. This approach often emphasizes the importance of collective welfare over individual interests.