What does a decision based on the rights approach prioritize?

A decision based on the rights approach prioritizes individual entitlements and freedoms. This ethical framework emphasizes the importance of respecting and protecting the inherent rights of individuals, which includes their freedoms, protections, and the moral claim they have to be treated in a just manner. The rights approach asserts that individuals should have their rights acknowledged and upheld in decision-making processes, reflecting a commitment to autonomy and ethical principles.

In this context, choices that focus solely on happiness, like maximizing overall happiness, do not align with the rights approach since it can lead to sacrificing individual rights for the sake of the majority, which the rights approach opposes. Similarly, approaches centered around minimizing costs and maximizing efficiency overlook the fundamental consideration of individual rights, prioritizing practical benefits over ethical obligations. Lastly, while social norms and expectations can influence decision-making, they don't necessarily guarantee the recognition and protection of individual rights, which is the core focus of the rights approach.