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  1. Utilitarianism - Wikipedia

    In ethical philosophy, utilitarianism is a family of normative ethical theories that prescribe actions that maximize happiness and well-being for the affected individuals. [1][2] In other words, utilitarian

  2. Utilitarianism | Definition, Philosophy, Examples, Ethics, Philosophers ...

    Jan 16, 2026 · Utilitarianism is an effort to provide an answer to the practical question “What ought a person to do?” The answer is that a person ought to act so as to maximize happiness or pleasure …

  3. Utilitarianism: What It Is, Founders, and Main Principles

    Jun 17, 2025 · Utilitarianism is a theory of morality that holds that the most ethical decisions and actions are those that benefit the greatest number of people.

  4. The History of Utilitarianism - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

    Mar 27, 2009 · Though the first systematic account of utilitarianism was developed by Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), the core insight motivating the theory occurred much earlier. That insight is that morally …

  5. Utilitarianism - Ethics Unwrapped

    Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that determines right from wrong by focusing on outcomes. It is a form of consequentialism. Utilitarianism holds that the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the …

  6. UTILITARIAN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

    The meaning of UTILITARIAN is an advocate or adherent of utilitarianism. How to use utilitarian in a sentence.

  7. 5.2: What is Utilitarianism? - Humanities LibreTexts

    This page discusses utilitarianism, a consequentialist ethical theory that judges actions by their outcomes, specifically by their ability to generate more positive than negative consequences. …

  8. Introduction to Utilitarianism

    Utilitarianism was developed by the philosophers Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who drew on ideas going back to the ancient Greeks. Utilitarianism has since been widely discussed, and has …

  9. Understanding Utilitarianism: A Guide - Philosophos

    Dec 17, 2025 · Utilitarianism is a type of philosophy and ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall benefit and minimizing harm. This philosophy was first developed in the 18th century by …

  10. Utilitarianism – Introduction to Philosophy: Ethics

    Utilitarianism is a form of consequentialism. For consequentialism, the moral rightness or wrongness of an act depends on the consequences it produces.