Which ethical theory involves making decisions based on what benefits oneself?

The ethical theory that involves making decisions based on what benefits oneself is referred to as egoism. This philosophical approach prioritizes individual interests and self-benefit when evaluating the morality of actions. Essentially, egoism holds that an action is morally right if it results in the greatest good for the individual performing the action.

In egoism, personal advantage is a key consideration, which can manifest in various forms, such as ethical egoism, where individuals are encouraged to act in their own self-interest, or psychological egoism, which suggests that people naturally act in ways that promote their own interests.

The other options represent different ethical frameworks that focus on external consequences or universal principles, rather than individual gain. For instance, utilitarianism seeks the greatest good for the greatest number of people, divine law is based on religious principles, and virtue ethics emphasizes character and moral virtues over self-interest. Thus, egoism distinctly centers on self-benefit, setting it apart from these other ethical theories.