utilitarianism etymology

Etymology

The word "utilitarianism" is derived from the Latin word "utilis", meaning "useful" or "profitable".

Meaning

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that holds that the primary goal of actions should be to promote the greatest happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people.

Origin

The term "utilitarianism" was first used in the 18th century by Jeremy Bentham, an English philosopher who is considered one of the founders of the theory. Bentham coined the term to describe his own ethical system, which he outlined in his book "An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation" (1789). Bentham argued that the rightness or wrongness of an action can be determined by calculating its consequences and determining whether it promotes happiness or utility.

Other philosophers who have contributed to the development of utilitarianism include John Stuart Mill, Henry Sidgwick, and George Edward Moore. Each of these philosophers has offered different interpretations of the theory and emphasized different aspects of its application. However, all utilitarians share the common belief that the pursuit of happiness and well-being should be the primary goal of moral actions.

utilitarianism relate terms

  • utilitarian

    Etymology Utilitarian is derived from the Latin word utilis meaning useful Me

  • utility

    Etymology The word utility is derived from the Latin word utilitas which means use

  • unitarian

    Etymology The word Unitarian comes from the Latin word unitas meaning oneness or

  • philosophy

    Etymology The word philosophy is derived from the Greek words philo φίλο meani

  • doctrine

    Etymology The word doctrine originates from the Latin word doctrina which means tea

  • subtle

    Etymology Sub Latin prefix meaning under slightly or less Tilis Latin adjec

  • reflection

    Etymology The word reflection is derived from the Latin word reflectiō which means

  • chronicle

  • galaxy

    Etymology The word galaxy comes from the Greek word galaxias which means milky

  • secretary

    Etymology Latin secretarius keeper of secrets Proto Indo European sekw follow

  • fiction

    Etymology The word fiction derives from the Latin word fictio which means somethin