Utilitarianism
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Utilitarianism is a noun meaning (philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
Meaning
(philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
More Meanings
- Practicality, functionality, as opposed to e.g. aesthetics.
- (philosophy) The theory that action should be directed toward achieving the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people" (hedonistic universalism), or one of various related theories.
Example Sentences
After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism."
Word Forms
- utilitarianisms
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include consequentialism, welfarism, expediency, practicality, instrumentalism, pragmatism.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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