Utilitarianism: meaning, definitions and examples
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utilitarianism
[ juːˌtɪlɪˈteəriənɪzəm ]
ethical theory
Utilitarianism is a moral theory that states that the best action is the one that maximizes overall well-being or happiness. It is based on the principle of utility, which holds that actions are right to the extent that they promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong to the extent that they produce unhappiness or pain. Utilitarianism is often associated with the idea of the greatest good for the greatest number.
Synonyms
consequentialism, greatest happiness principle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| utilitarianism |
Identical to the first entry. |
| consequentialism |
Use it when talking about any ethical theory where the consequences of an action determine its moral value. It is broader and covers more than just utilitarianism.
|
| greatest happiness principle |
Use it when referring specifically to the idea within utilitarianism that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number. It is a core idea in the philosophy of utilitarianism.
|
Examples of usage
- John followed utilitarianism by choosing the option that would bring the most benefit to the majority of people.
- Utilitarianism can sometimes lead to difficult decisions when trying to balance the happiness of different groups.
- In utilitarianism, the consequences of an action are more important than the intentions behind it.
Translations
Translations of the word "utilitarianism" in other languages:
🇵🇹 utilitarismo
🇮🇳 उपयोगितावाद
🇩🇪 Utilitarismus
🇮🇩 utilitarianisme
🇺🇦 утилітаризм
🇵🇱 użytkownictwo
🇯🇵 功利主義 (こうりしゅぎ)
🇫🇷 utilitarisme
🇪🇸 utilitarismo
🇹🇷 faydacılık
🇰🇷 공리주의 (功利主義)
🇸🇦 النفعية
🇨🇿 utilitarismus
🇸🇰 utilitarizmus
🇨🇳 功利主义 (gōnglì zhǔyì)
🇸🇮 utilitarizem
🇮🇸 nytjahyggja
🇰🇿 пайдакүнемдік
🇬🇪 უტილიტარიანიზმი
🇦🇿 utilitarizm
🇲🇽 utilitarismo
Etymology
The term 'utilitarianism' was first coined by Jeremy Bentham in the 19th century. Bentham, along with John Stuart Mill, is considered one of the founding figures of utilitarianism. The theory has roots in the works of earlier philosophers like Epicurus and Hume, but Bentham and Mill developed it into a systematic ethical framework. Utilitarianism has been a subject of debate and criticism over the years, with various scholars offering different interpretations and modifications to the theory.