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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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The first known use of utilitarianism was in 1827
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