
Utilitarianism - Wikipedia
In ethical philosophy, utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the affected individuals. [1][2] In other words, utilitarian ideas …
Utilitarianism | Definition, Philosophy, Examples, Ethics, Philosophers ...
Dec 1, 2025 · Utilitarianism is an effort to provide an answer to the practical question “What ought a person to do?” The answer is that a person ought to act so as to maximize happiness or pleasure …
The History of Utilitarianism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Mar 27, 2009 · Though the first systematic account of utilitarianism was developed by Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the core insight motivating the theory occurred much earlier. That insight is that morally …
Utilitarianism: What It Is, Founders, and Main Principles
Jun 17, 2025 · Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that supports actions that foster happiness or pleasure. It opposes actions that cause unhappiness or harm. A utilitarian philosophy would aim for …
UTILITARIAN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
The meaning of UTILITARIAN is an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism. How to use utilitarian in a sentence.
Utilitarianism Explained: Key Principles, History, Applications, and ...
Utilitarianism is a philosophical theory of ethics that centers on maximizing happiness and minimizing suffering. At its core, it evaluates actions based on their consequences, aiming to promote the …
Utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is an effort to provide an answer to the practical question “What ought a man to do?” Its answer is that he ought to act so as to produce the best consequences possible.
Utilitarianism - Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Many utilitarians have therefore advocated non-utilitarian decision procedures, often based on common sense morality. Some have felt the appeal of common sense moral principles in themselves, and …
UTILITARIAN | definition in the Cambridge English Dictionary
That's the utilitarian point of view, which says that we are rational, calculating machines that do whatever serves our economic self-interest.
Introduction to utilitarianism
Utilitarianism is concerned with happiness, and utilitarians accept the idea that value is universal - so utilitarians believe that the intrinsic value of happiness it is unaffected by the identity of the being in …