When reading the “Thinking Ethically” article from the Santa Clara Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, I was most drawn to the Utilitarian Approach, which emphasizes producing the greatest balance of good over harm. This framework resonated with me because I often find myself weighing outcomes and trying to make choices that will positively impact the most people. For example, when working on collaborative projects, I tend to think through how each decision will affect not only my immediate group but also the broader audience who might rely on our final product. The idea that “the ethical action is the one that will produce the greatest benefits and the least harm” (Velasquez et al.) reflects how I strive to evaluate long-term consequences, even if it means making short-term sacrifices.

One real-world connection that comes to mind is my part-time job, where I often have to prioritize customer satisfaction while still respecting company policies. Sometimes, bending a minor rule in order to resolve a customer’s issue results in greater overall good—keeping the customer happy and protecting the company’s reputation. Another text-to-world connection I see is in public policy decisions, such as the allocation of limited resources like funding or healthcare. Policymakers often use a utilitarian lens to determine how to maximize benefits for the largest portion of the population.

These examples illustrate the practicality of the Utilitarian Approach and how it can serve as a guiding principle in both everyday decisions and broader societal contexts. By focusing on the balance of outcomes, individuals and groups can align their actions with a vision of maximizing well-being for as many people as possible.

Velasquez, Manuel, Claire Andre, Thomas Shanks, S.J., and Michael J. Meyer. “Thinking Ethically: A Framework for Moral Decision Making.” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, Santa Clara University, 2021, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/ethics-resources/ethical-decision-making/thinking-ethically/