What political philosophy argues for the benefit of the majority and the sacrifice of certain individual interests?

The political philosophy that emphasizes the benefit of the majority while often advocating the sacrifice of certain individual interests is utilitarianism. This concept, primarily associated with philosophers such as Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, is grounded in the idea that the best action or policy is one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism evaluates the moral rightness of actions based on their consequences, focusing on overall happiness and welfare.

In a utilitarian framework, individual interests may be set aside or diminished if doing so is deemed necessary for achieving a greater overall benefit to society. This perspective justifies actions that may infringe upon individual rights or interests as long as the result promotes the well-being of the majority.

Other political philosophies presented, such as libertarianism, prioritize individual freedoms and rights, often opposing the idea of sacrificing individual interests for the majority's benefit. Socialism promotes collective ownership and aims for a more equitable distribution of resources, but it does not specifically advocate for sacrificing individual interests for the majority's sake. Conservatism often emphasizes traditional values and stability, which can also conflict with the utilitarian principle of sacrificing some individual interests for a broader societal good.