Which ethical decision making technique involves projecting potential and probable consequences through consideration of the principle of benefit maximization?

• A. Cost-benefit analysis
• B. Legal compliance review
• C. Consideration of the principle of benefit maximization
• D. Risk assessment

Answer: (C)

This question tests recognizing a method that forecasts outcomes and weighs them to choose the option that yields the greatest overall benefit. The technique that does this by projecting potential and probable consequences is cost-benefit analysis. In practice, you list the possible costs and benefits of each action, estimate their magnitude and likelihood, and compare the net benefits to identify the option that maximizes overall benefit. A legal compliance review, by contrast, focuses on meeting laws and rules rather than evaluating outcomes for benefit maximization. A risk assessment concentrates on identifying and evaluating risks, not on weighing consequences to maximize benefits. The principle of benefit maximization provides the guiding aim, while cost-benefit analysis is the practical method used to operationalize and compare those anticipated outcomes.