What is the core idea of utilitarian theories of justice?

• A. Doctrines asserting that a just distribution of benefits and burdens is one that maximizes the net good for society.
• B. Doctrines insisting on equal distribution of all benefits.
• C. Doctrines prioritizing individual liberty above all else.
• D. Doctrines prioritizing market efficiency.

Answer: (A)

Utilitarian theories of justice are defined by maximizing overall welfare. The just distribution is the one that yields the greatest net good for society, meaning the total balance of positive outcomes (happiness, well-being, satisfaction of preferences) minus harms across all people. Because the aim is to boost overall welfare, unequal distributions can be just if they increase the total amount of good. This focus on consequences and total welfare is what sets utilitarian justice apart from ideas that require equal shares, prioritize individual liberty above all, or center on market efficiency.