utilitarianism
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English
Etymology
From utilitarian + -ism.
Noun
utilitarianism (countable and uncountable, plural utilitarianisms)
- (philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
- (philosophy) 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.
- Practicality, functionality, as opposed to e.g. aesthetics.
- 1979 August 25, Vicki Gabriner, Susan Freundlich, “Bridging the Gaps between Deaf and Hearing Lesbians”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 6, page 8:
- 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."
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Translations
the theory of the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people"
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