Meaning & use
utilitarianism
An ethical theory holding that the right action is the one that produces the greatest overall happiness or benefit.
See it in a sentence
Utilitarianism led the committee to fund the program that would help the largest number of people.
Critics argue that strict utilitarianism can justify sacrificing a few for the comfort of the many.
A note on using this word
Often contrasted with deontology, which judges actions by rules or duties rather than by their outcomes.
Words with a similar meaning
consequentialism
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
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