utilitarianism
English meaning: Utilitarianism
English Definition
(English)Utilitarianism evaluates actions solely by their consequences — an act is moral if it maximises overall happiness (utility). Bentham's 'felicific calculus' attempted to measure pleasure and pain quantitatively. Mill refined it to distinguish higher (intellectual) and lower (physical) pleasures. Critics argue it can justify harming minorities for majority benefit.
English Definition
An ethical theory holding that the morally right action is the one that produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Associated with Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, it underlies much of modern policy analysis and cost-benefit analysis.
Example
“Public health policy often uses utilitarian reasoning — accepting minor restrictions on individual freedom to maximise overall welfare.”
In English: “Public health measures often use utilitarian reasoning to balance freedom and welfare.”
Synonyms
- consequentialism
- pragmatism
- welfarism
Antonyms / Opposites
- deontology
- virtue ethics
- egoism
Literary Heritage
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”
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