utilitarianism — The ethical theory that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: The ethical theory that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteəriənɪzəm/
Example Sentences
- My mom practices utilitarianism at home: whoever eats the vegetables fastest gets the last slice of pizza.
- Utilitarianism suggests that sacrificing one person's comfort for the happiness of a hundred others might be justified.
- Critics argue that utilitarianism can ignore individual rights in favor of the greater good.
utilitarianism
NOUN[/ˌjuːtɪlɪˈteəriənɪzəm/]
The ethical theory that the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness or utility for the greatest number of people.
The council debates utilitarianism, choosing the option that helps the most citizens.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Coined from Latin 'utilis' (useful), combined with the suffix '-tarian' by philosopher Jeremy Bentham to describe the principle of maximizing happiness.
Breakdown
util- (useful) + -tarian (believer in) + -ism (doctrine/theory)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom practices utilitarianism at home: whoever eats the vegetables fastest gets the last slice of pizza.”
“Utilitarianism suggests that sacrificing one person's comfort for the happiness of a hundred others might be justified.”
“Critics argue that utilitarianism can ignore individual rights in favor of the greater good.”
“In my utilitarianism-based diet plan, I only eat foods that maximize happiness—which is basically just chocolate.”
📚Related Words
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