What belief asserts that an idea is only good if it provides maximum happiness for the largest number of people?

The belief that an idea is only considered good if it provides maximum happiness for the largest number of people is known as utilitarianism. This ethical theory, which was primarily developed by philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, emphasizes the consequences of actions and suggests that the best action is the one that produces the greatest overall benefit or happiness. The core principle of utilitarianism is the idea of the "greatest happiness for the greatest number," which means that moral decisions should be made based on their potential to increase overall well-being.

Utilitarianism encourages individuals and societies to evaluate actions based on their potential outcomes for the majority, making it a consequentialist philosophy. This focus on collective happiness and welfare is a key distinguishing feature of utilitarian thought, setting it apart from other ideologies that emphasize individual rights or economic systems.