Dictionary

utilitarianism

noun util·i·tar·i·an·ism \-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm\

philosophy : the belief that a morally good action is one that helps the greatest number of people

Full Definition of UTILITARIANISM

1
:  a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically :  a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number
2
:  utilitarian character, spirit, or quality
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of UTILITARIANISM

1827

Other Philosophy Terms

dialectic, dualism, epistemology, existentialism, metaphysics, ontology, sequitur, solipsism, transcendentalism

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: utility (noun)Previous Word in the Dictionary: utilitarian All Words Near: utilitarianism
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears