What role does impartiality play in utilitarianism?

Impartiality is a foundational principle in utilitarianism, as it requires that the happiness and well-being of all individuals be considered equally when making ethical decisions. This means that no person's interests are prioritized over another's, leading to a focus on maximizing overall utility. By promoting an unbiased evaluation of outcomes, impartiality helps ensure that utilitarianism remains a fair and objective approach to ethics, ultimately aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number.