Utilitarianism
noun
The idea that what is morally right is what helps the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism suggests that the best action is the one that brings the most happiness for the greatest number of people.
Often appears as...
- moral utilitarianism
- act utilitarianism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The belief that a society or system should be useful and practical rather than attractive or enjoyable.
The building's design seems to be based on utilitarianism, with no unnecessary decoration.
Often appears as...
- utilitarianism approach
- utilitarianism design
Usage tips
Formal
noun
The idea that what is morally right is what helps the greatest number of people.
Utilitarianism suggests that the best action is the one that brings the most happiness for the greatest number of people.
Often appears as...
- moral utilitarianism
- act utilitarianism
Usage tips
Formal
Academic
noun
The belief that a society or system should be useful and practical rather than attractive or enjoyable.
The building's design seems to be based on utilitarianism, with no unnecessary decoration.
Often appears as...
- utilitarianism approach
- utilitarianism design
Usage tips
Formal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Greatest Good
Focuses on the outcome that benefits most people, regardless of personal feelings or societal rules.
Her decision was grounded in utilitarianism, aiming for the greatest good.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Personal
Not about individual happiness or success but the collective wellbeing.
His utilitarianism drove policies that improved the community's life.
Pro Tip 3/3Ethical Discussions
Often used when discussing what's ethically correct, especially in complex situations.
In ethics class, we debated the utilitarianism of reallocating school funds.
Pro Tip 1/3Greatest Good
Focuses on the outcome that benefits most people, regardless of personal feelings or societal rules.
Her decision was grounded in utilitarianism, aiming for the greatest good.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Personal
Not about individual happiness or success but the collective wellbeing.
His utilitarianism drove policies that improved the community's life.
Pro Tip 3/3Ethical Discussions
Often used when discussing what's ethically correct, especially in complex situations.
In ethics class, we debated the utilitarianism of reallocating school funds.
Pro Tip 1/3Greatest Good
Focuses on the outcome that benefits most people, regardless of personal feelings or societal rules.
Her decision was grounded in utilitarianism, aiming for the greatest good.
Pro Tip 2/3Beyond Personal
Not about individual happiness or success but the collective wellbeing.
His utilitarianism drove policies that improved the community's life.
Pro Tip 3/3Ethical Discussions
Often used when discussing what's ethically correct, especially in complex situations.
In ethics class, we debated the utilitarianism of reallocating school funds.
Never forget "Utilitarianism"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
Video examples
Daniel H. Cohen: For...
I tend to win those arguments, because I know the tricks. But those aren't the important arguments. I'm interested in academic arguments, and here are the things that puzzle me. First, what do good arguers win when they win an argument? What do I win if I convince you that utilitarianism isn't really the right framework for thinking about ethical theories?
Video examples
You can only save one—...
This dilemma is an example of a broader class of problems where a life-saving resource— such as a donated organ or vaccine— is scarce. There are many schools of thought on how to approach these problems, and one of the most influential is utilitarianism, an ethical view first systematically developed
Video examples
Daniel H. Cohen: For...
I tend to win those arguments, because I know the tricks. But those aren't the important arguments. I'm interested in academic arguments, and here are the things that puzzle me. First, what do good arguers win when they win an argument? What do I win if I convince you that utilitarianism isn't really the right framework for thinking about ethical theories?
Video examples
You can only save one—...
This dilemma is an example of a broader class of problems where a life-saving resource— such as a donated organ or vaccine— is scarce. There are many schools of thought on how to approach these problems, and one of the most influential is utilitarianism, an ethical view first systematically developed
Example 1 of 2
Quote examples
Erin Wasson
American Model
The older I get, the more I like the idea of utilitarianism. I think that I'm not a trend-driven person. I really believe in keeping your canvas very basic and sort of adding the accouterments from there. I look at creating intrigue with outfits through accessories.
Quote examples
Todd Gitlin
American Sociologist
Like Americans, people outside America want fun, want an emotional compensation for the utilitarianism and calculation that mark the rest of their lives.
Quote examples
Sara Pascoe
English Comedian
Utilitarianism is a philosophy from the olden days exploring the idea that whatever is best for the majority is the fairest.
Quote examples
Erin Wasson
American Model
The older I get, the more I like the idea of utilitarianism. I think that I'm not a trend-driven person. I really believe in keeping your canvas very basic and sort of adding the accouterments from there. I look at creating intrigue with outfits through accessories.
Quote examples
Todd Gitlin
American Sociologist
Like Americans, people outside America want fun, want an emotional compensation for the utilitarianism and calculation that mark the rest of their lives.
Quote examples
Sara Pascoe
English Comedian
Utilitarianism is a philosophy from the olden days exploring the idea that whatever is best for the majority is the fairest.
Example 1 of 3
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension