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CEFR C2 — Proficiency

Utilitarian

Definition

(philosophical) Concerned with or advocating for the greatest happiness or well-being of the greatest number of people; prioritizing the overall benefit of a decision or action over individual interests or moral rules. Originating from the philosophical ideas of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill.

Example Sentences

1The utilitarian argument for universal healthcare is that it maximizes overall well-being and reduces suffering across the population.
2Is a utilitarian approach to ethics compatible with the protection of individual rights and freedoms?
3The company's decision to downsize was justified on utilitarian grounds, as it supposedly ensured the long-term survival of the business.
4Critics of utilitarianism argue that it can lead to the tyranny of the majority and the suppression of minority rights.
5In his influential work 'On Liberty', John Stuart Mill grappled with the tension between utilitarianism and individual liberty, advocating for a nuanced approach that balances competing values.

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