Utilitarian

Utilitarianism is an ethical theory holding that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, typically defined as that which produces the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It assesses actions based on their consequences, focusing on happiness, well-being, or pleasure experienced by all affected individuals. This philosophy emphasizes impartiality, requiring equal consideration for everyone's interests, and often involves a cost-benefit analysis.

Utilitarian meaning with examples

• The city council adopted a Utilitarian approach to urban planning, prioritizing projects that would benefit the most residents, even if some individual desires were unmet. This focused on the collective good.
• A Utilitarian perspective on healthcare might justify prioritizing treatment for a large group of patients, even if it meant a less effective outcome for a smaller number facing serious issues. This optimizes resources.
• The company's decision to offshore production was based on Utilitarian reasoning. Lowering costs created increased revenue, thus, benefiting a larger stakeholder base - the investors, shareholders, and, through retained jobs and lower prices, customers.
• Many political decisions, such as tax reforms or infrastructure investments, are often evaluated from a Utilitarian standpoint, gauging their impact on overall societal well-being. The objective is the public benefit.
• The judge's sentencing considered the potential for rehabilitation and the deterrent effect on others, seeking the outcome that would contribute most to the greater good and community protection. This had an effect.