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utilitarianism

noun

  1. ethical theory which holds that the right action is the one that maximizes aggregate well-being
L329995 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English utilitarian Proto-Indo-European *-id- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *-idyéti Proto-Hellenic *-íďďō Ancient Greek -ῐ́ζω (-ĭ́zō) Proto-Indo-European *-mos Proto-Indo-European *-mós Ancient Greek -μός (-mós) Ancient Greek -ισμός (-ismós)der. English -ism English utilitarianism From utilitarian + -ism.

  1. A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
  2. The theory that action should be directed toward achieving the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people" (hedonistic universalism), or one of various related theories.
  3. Practicality, functionality, as opposed to e.g. aesthetics.

    “After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism."”