utilitarianism
Utilitarianism (noun) means the ethical theory that the right action is the one producing the greatest overall happiness or wellbeing for the greatest number of people, judged by its consequences rather than by rules or intentions. Example: “Under strict utilitarianism, a policy that harms a few is justified if it benefits far more.”
How to Use Utilitarianism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe idea that the right thing to do is whatever produces the most good for the most people.
Formal and academic in the ethical sense; the second sense is often mildly disapproving.
Utilitarianism is one kind of consequentialism, not a synonym for it: all utilitarians are consequentialists, but not every consequentialist measures outcomes in happiness.
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Under strict _____, a policy that harms a few is justified if it benefits far more.
Etymology
From utility, ultimately from Latin utilis 'useful', with the suffix -arianism forming the name of a doctrine.
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Rhymes for utilitarianism
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What is the difference between utilitarianism and deontology?
Utilitarianism judges an action by its consequences, asking how much overall wellbeing it produces. Deontology judges it by whether it follows a moral rule or duty, regardless of outcome. A deontologist would say lying is wrong even when it saves a life; a utilitarian would weigh the lives saved.
What is the difference between act and rule utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism assesses each individual action by the happiness it produces. Rule utilitarianism asks which general rules would produce the most happiness if everyone followed them, then judges actions by those rules. Rule utilitarianism is often used to explain why promise-keeping matters even when breaking a promise would help in one case.
What are the main criticisms of utilitarianism?
That it can justify serious harm to a minority if the majority gains, that happiness is very difficult to measure and compare between people, and that it demands impartiality so extreme it leaves no room for special obligations to your own family and friends.