noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
A philosophical doctrine that judges actions by their utility in promoting happiness or pleasure. Used in ethics and political philosophy.
Utilitarianism was systematized by Bentham and Mill.
His policy is based on a utilitarian way of thinking.
実用主義 (pragmatism) focuses on practical consequences and usefulness in a broader sense, while 功利主義 specifically refers to the ethical theory of maximizing happiness.
Compound of 功利 (こうり, 'utility') and 主義 (しゅぎ, '-ism'). The term was coined in the Meiji period to translate Western philosophical concepts.