utilitarian
Meaning: Relating to utilitarianism, the ethical theory that the best action is the one that maximises overall happiness or well-being; also describing something designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive.
Utilitarianism is a fundamentally British philosophy, developed by Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill in the 18th and 19th centuries. Its core principle — 'the greatest good for the greatest number' — has profoundly influenced law, economics, and public policy. In everyday usage, 'utilitarian' often simply means functional and practical — 'utilitarian design' or 'utilitarian architecture.' The trolley problem is the most famous thought experiment used to test utilitarian reasoning.
Examples
- Utilitarian ethics would justify sacrificing the interests of one person if doing so would prevent greater suffering for many others. 功利主义伦理学认为,如果牺牲一个人的利益能够为更多人防止更大的痛苦,那么这种牺牲就是合理的。La ética utilitarista justificaría sacrificar los intereses de una persona si con ello se evitara un sufrimiento mayor para muchas otras.功利主義倫理学は、一人の利益を犠牲にすることで多数のより大きな苦しみを防げるのであれば、それを正当化するであろう。공리주의 윤리학은, 한 사람의 이익을 희생하는 것이 다수의 더 큰 고통을 방지할 수 있다면 그것을 정당화할 것이다.
- The building's utilitarian design prioritised functionality over aesthetics, with plain concrete walls and minimal decoration. 这栋建筑的功利设计将功能性置于美学之上,使用朴素的混凝土墙面和最少的装饰。El diseño utilitario del edificio priorizaba la funcionalidad sobre la estética, con paredes de hormigón desnudo y una decoración mínima.その建物の功利的設計は、美観よりも機能性を優先し、装飾のない打ちっぱなしのコンクリート壁と最小限の装飾を特徴としていた。그 건물의 실용적인 설계는 미관보다 기능성을 우선시하여, 장식 없는 콘크리트 벽과 최소한의 장식을 특징으로 했다.
- Jeremy Bentham, the founder of utilitarian philosophy, donated his body to be preserved as an 'auto-icon' at University College London. 功利主义哲学的创始人杰里米·边沁将自己的遗体捐赠出来,制成'自画像标本'保存在伦敦大学学院。Jeremy Bentham, fundador de la filosofía utilitarista, donó su cuerpo para que se conservara como «auto-icono» en el University College London.功利主義哲学の創始者であるジェレミー・ベンサムは、ユニヴァーシティ・カレッジ・ロンドンに「オート・アイコン」として保存されるよう自分の遺体を寄贈した。공리주의 철학의 창시자인 제러미 벤담은 유니버시티 칼리지 런던에 '오토 아이콘'으로 보존되도록 자신의 유해를 기증했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From utility, from Latin utilitas (usefulness), from utilis (useful), from uti (to use). The philosophical term was coined by Jeremy Bentham in the late 18th century and further developed by John Stuart Mill.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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