Utilitarianism: meaning, definitions and examples
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utilitarianism
[juːˌtɪlɪˈteəriənɪzəm ]
Definition
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.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- Utilitarianism was formally developed in the late 18th and early 19th centuries by thinkers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.
- Bentham introduced the idea of 'greatest happiness' as a guiding principle for morality.
- The term 'utilitarianism' itself was first used by Mill in his 1863 work 'Utilitarianism'.
Philosophy
- The principle of utilitarianism promotes actions that maximize happiness and reduce suffering.
- It often requires calculating the potential outcomes to evaluate the best choice.
- Critics argue that focusing only on outcomes can overlook moral rights or justice.
Pop Culture
- Utilitarian ideas appear in various films and literature, often as characters or societies that prioritize collective well-being over individual rights.
- In the TV series 'Black Mirror', episodes often explore moral dilemmas that reflect utilitarian principles, showcasing the trade-offs between personal freedoms and the greater good.
Economics
- Economists apply utilitarian principles when designing policies aimed at promoting overall societal welfare, such as healthcare and education.
- Benefit-cost analysis, a common economic tool, mirrors utilitarianism by assessing actions based on their overall benefits to society.
Psychology
- Research suggests that people with stronger utilitarian beliefs tend to make more logical and less emotional decisions when faced with moral dilemmas.
- Studies show that moral reasoning can be influenced by the potential outcomes of actions, aligning with utilitarian thoughts on ethics.
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