utilitarianism
noun
util·i·tar·i·an·ism
(ˌ)yü-ˌti-lə-ˈter-ē-ə-ˌni-zəm 
1
: a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences
specifically
: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number
2
: utilitarian character, spirit, or quality
Examples of utilitarianism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But one branch — utilitarianism — is strongly inclined in this direction.
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Sigal Samuel, Vox, 1 May 2024
Such forays against utilitarianism make Fukuyama a card-carrying sociologist, and sure enough, the influence of Émile Durkheim and Max Weber (although not Marx) is clear and acknowledged.
—Michael Mann, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012
The lesson to be learned from the shortcomings of utilitarianism is not that the philosophy should be abandoned, but rather that other values besides maximizing total welfare must also guide behavior.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
The quant child of Stanford law professors who grew up discussing utilitarianism at the dinner table and blogged during college about the San Francisco Giants, Mr. Bankman-Fried is, in a way, a Michael Lewis character grown in a lab.
—Christopher Beam, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for utilitarianism 
Sigal Samuel, Vox, 1 May 2024
Such forays against utilitarianism make Fukuyama a card-carrying sociologist, and sure enough, the influence of Émile Durkheim and Max Weber (although not Marx) is clear and acknowledged.
—Michael Mann, Foreign Affairs, 13 Feb. 2012
The lesson to be learned from the shortcomings of utilitarianism is not that the philosophy should be abandoned, but rather that other values besides maximizing total welfare must also guide behavior.
—James Broughel, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
The quant child of Stanford law professors who grew up discussing utilitarianism at the dinner table and blogged during college about the San Francisco Giants, Mr. Bankman-Fried is, in a way, a Michael Lewis character grown in a lab.
—Christopher Beam, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2023
See all Example Sentences for utilitarianism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'utilitarianism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Utilitarianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/utilitarianism. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.
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