UTILITARIANISMS Meaning and
Definition
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Utilitarianism is a moral and ethical theory that emphasizes the overall happiness or well-being of the greatest number of people as the ultimate goal of human action and decision-making. It is a consequentialist theory, meaning that the consequences of an action determine its moral value. Utilitarianism holds that an action is morally right if it leads to the greatest overall happiness for the greatest number of individuals, regardless of the individual motives or intentions behind the action.
According to utilitarianism, the principle of utility should guide all moral judgments and choices. Utility is often understood as the net aggregate happiness or pleasure minus pain or suffering that results from an action. It argues that actions should be evaluated based on their ability to maximize overall happiness and minimize overall pain. Utilitarianism is often associated with the idea of the "greatest happiness principle," which suggests that the moral value of an action is contingent upon its ability to produce the greatest overall happiness for the most individuals.
Utilitarianism is often contrasted with other ethical theories, such as deontological or virtue ethics. While deontology emphasizes duty or adherence to moral rules, and virtue ethics emphasizes character traits, utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of actions. Critics of utilitarianism argue that it may lead to the sacrifice of individual rights or unjust outcomes, as it prioritizes the overall happiness of the majority over the well-being of minority groups or individuals. However, proponents of utilitarianism contend that it provides a rational and impartial framework for moral decision-making, based on the universal desire for happiness and well-being.
Common Misspellings for UTILITARIANISMS
- ytilitarianisms
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- itilitarianisms
- 8tilitarianisms
- 7tilitarianisms
- urilitarianisms
- ufilitarianisms
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- ut8litarianisms
- utikitarianisms
- utipitarianisms
Etymology of UTILITARIANISMS
The word "utilitarianism" is derived from the noun "utility", which in turn comes from the Latin word "utilitas", meaning "usefulness". The "-ism" suffix is added to utility to signify the system, doctrine, or philosophy based on the principles of usefulness. Utilitarianism is a moral and ethical theory developed in the 18th and 19th centuries that promotes the greatest overall happiness and well-being for the majority of people as the ultimate goal.
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