Utilitarianism says that we should always do what will have the best consequences for all those affected by our actions. "Best consequences" generally refers to well-being, in some sense, although utilitarians differ on whether this means happiness, and the reduction of suffering, or something like the satisfaction of preferences.
Utilitarians don't just focus on their friends or family, or their fellow-citizens. They are concerned about distant strangers. They are concerned about future generations (so utilitarianism tells us why climate change matters, for example, even if its most severe effects won't be felt for another century). And "all affected" includes all sentient beings, so the suffering of animals matters too.
That's a clear
Utilitarians don't just focus on their friends or family, or their fellow-citizens. They are concerned about distant strangers. They are concerned about future generations (so utilitarianism tells us why climate change matters, for example, even if its most severe effects won't be felt for another century). And "all affected" includes all sentient beings, so the suffering of animals matters too.
That's a clear