utilitarianism
noun
- ethical theory which holds that the right action is the one that maximizes aggregate well-being
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.
- A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
- 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.
“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."”