utilitarianism background

utilitarianism

/juːˌtɪlɪˈteəriənɪzəm/ /juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛəriənɪzəm/

Illustration utilitarianism - Image 1

noun

功利主义

A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.

Examples :

"The city council's decision to build a new road prioritizing easy commuting for the most people reflected a philosophy of utilitarianism. "

市议会决定修建一条新路，优先考虑大多数人通勤的便利性，这体现了一种功利主义的哲学。

philosophy moral value system doctrine

Illustration utilitarianism - Image 1

noun

功利主义，实用主义。

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.

Examples :

"The school principal's decision to shorten recess to allow for more classroom time reflected a kind of utilitarianism: she believed it would benefit more students academically, even if it made recess less enjoyable for everyone. "

校长的决定缩短课间休息时间，以便增加课堂时间，体现了一种功利主义思想：她认为这在学业上能使更多的学生受益，即使这会让每个人的课间休息都没那么愉快。

philosophy theory moral value action