utilitarianism

noun util·i·tar·i·an·ism \ (ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm \

|Updated on: 10 May 2018

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

See utilitarianism defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of utilitarianism from the Web

Stinson notes that many computer scientists have an implicit orientation to utilitarianism, an ethical theory that aims to maximize happiness for the greatest number by adding up each action’s costs and benefits.

— molly driscoll, The Christian Science Monitor, "‘2001: A Space Odyssey’ turns 50: Why HAL endures," 3 Apr. 2018
Melding crafts and fine art with an emphasis on simplicity and utilitarianism, the Bauhaus movement helped define the modernist aesthetic.

— oliver sava, Chicago Reader, "Arts / Dance Hedwig Dances brings Bauhaus utilitarianism to the stage," 5 Apr. 2018
Leaders in advanced countries are not obligated to practice global utilitarianism or lift up the global poor at the expense of their working and middle classes.

— william a. galston, WSJ, "The Case for Responsible Nationalism," 27 Mar. 2018
And yet, psychologically and philosophically, those attachments are as central to human life as the individualist, rationalist, universalist values of classic Enlightenment utilitarianism.

— alison gopnik, The Atlantic, "When Truth and Reason Are No Longer Enough," 17 Mar. 2018
In particular, Canavan dissected the philosophical errors that have led contemporary culture not only to embrace radical individualism but also take it to its logical conclusion in utilitarianism.

— nr interview, National Review, "Capturing a Spiritual Father’s Freedom and Wisdom," 12 Jan. 2018
Schur even drew on his own experience when crafting Eleanor’s initial reaction to learning about utilitarianism in Season 1.

— elizabeth yuko, The Atlantic, "How The Good Place Goes Beyond ‘The Trolley Problem’," 21 Oct. 2017
In the penultimate episode of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’s third season, the protagonist Kimmy takes a college philosophy class, learns about the trolley problem, and becomes obsessed with utilitarianism.

— elizabeth yuko, The Atlantic, "How The Good Place Goes Beyond ‘The Trolley Problem’," 21 Oct. 2017
So the marketers took those form factors and jacked them up in the air, adding some styling tweaks meant to suggest the utilitarianism of military surplus.

— jonathan m. gitlin, Ars Technica, "BMW’s smallest crossover yet: The X2," 25 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'utilitarianism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.