2006-08-14 23:19:43 · 2 answers · asked by Joni J 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
Utilitarianism (from the Latin utilis, useful) is a theory of ethics that prescribes the quantitative maximization of good consequences for a population. It is a form of consequentialism. This good to be maximized is usually happiness, pleasure, or preference satisfaction. Though some utilitarian theories might seek to maximize other consequences, these consequences generally have something to do with the welfare of people (or of people and nonhuman animals). For this reason, utilitarianism is often associated with the term welfarist consequentialism.
2006-08-14 23:30:54 · answer #1 · answered by TK 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ethical framework which posits that all action should be directed toward achieving the greatest utility for the greatest number of people.
2006-08-15 06:27:00 · answer #2 · answered by I Am Jack's Wasted Life 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋