utilitarianism (Meaning)
utilitarianism (n)
doctrine that the useful is the good; especially as elaborated by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill; the aim was said to be the greatest happiness for the greatest number
utilitarianism (n.)
The doctrine that the greatest happiness of the greatest number should be the end and aim of all social and political institutions.
The doctrine that virtue is founded in utility, or that virtue is defined and enforced by its tendency to promote the highest happiness of the universe.
The doctrine that utility is the sole standard of morality, so that the rectitude of an action is determined by its usefulness.
Synonyms & Antonyms of utilitarianism
No Synonyms and anytonyms found
utilitarianism Sentence Examples
- Utilitarianism, an ethical theory, prioritizes actions that maximize overall happiness or well-being.
- The utilitarian approach emphasizes the consequences of an action, rather than the action itself.
- Jeremy Bentham's utilitarianism advocates for the "greatest happiness for the greatest number."
- John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism includes "higher" and "lower" pleasures, valuing both intellectual and physical well-being.
- Utilitarianism has been criticized for potentially justifying actions that violate individual rights.
- Act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of a specific action, while rule utilitarianism considers the consequences of a general rule.
- Ethical egoism, a variant of utilitarianism, promotes actions that maximize happiness for the individual taking them.
- Utilitarianism has influenced various fields, including economics, public policy, and social justice.
- In law, utilitarian principles can be applied to determine the best outcome for society as a whole.
- Utilitarianism remains a prominent ethical theory, widely debated and applied in modern decision-making.
FAQs About the word utilitarianism
doctrine that the useful is the good; especially as elaborated by Jeremy Bentham and James Mill; the aim was said to be the greatest happiness for the greatest
No synonyms found.
No antonyms found.
Utilitarianism, an ethical theory, prioritizes actions that maximize overall happiness or well-being.
The utilitarian approach emphasizes the consequences of an action, rather than the action itself.
Jeremy Bentham's utilitarianism advocates for the "greatest happiness for the greatest number."
John Stuart Mill's utilitarianism includes "higher" and "lower" pleasures, valuing both intellectual and physical well-being.
