utilitarianism

English

noun
Definitions
  • (philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
  • (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.

Etymology

Suffix from English utilitarian.

Origin

English

utilitarian

Gloss

Timeline

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