Which ethical framework upholds as ethical that which provides the greatest good for the greatest number?

Utilitarianism is the ethical framework that emphasizes the principle of maximizing overall happiness or utility. It posits that actions are considered morally right if they lead to the greatest overall benefit for the largest number of people. This approach evaluates the consequences of actions and seeks to determine which actions produce the most favorable outcomes for the majority, thus prioritizing collective well-being above individual interests.

In contrast, deontology focuses on the morality of actions themselves, guided by rules and obligations regardless of the outcome. Virtue ethics emphasizes the character and virtues of the individual making the decisions rather than the consequences of their actions. Social contract theory is centered around the agreements and obligations that form the basis of society and governance, not specifically on promoting the greatest good for all.

Therefore, the identification of utilitarianism as the ethical framework that advocates for actions yielding the greatest good for the greatest number is accurate and aligns with foundational principles of this philosophical school of thought.