Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism is the view that the right thing to do is whatever is most useful.^[1] It is a philosophical position about ethics. The word "utilitarianism" comes from the word "utility", which means "usefulness".^[2] In most forms of utilitarianism, things that increase human well-being or happiness are called useful. This is not limited to the happiness caused by a single action but also includes the happiness of all people involved and all future consequences.

In general, the theory of utilitarianism is that whatever brings the most happiness to the greatest number of people is the right thing to do.

1. ↑ "Utilitarianism". American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 2011.
2. ↑ "Utility". American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (5th ed.). Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. 2011.