principle of utility

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principle of utility" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions related to ethics, philosophy, or decision-making, particularly in the context of utilitarianism. Example: "According to the principle of utility, the best action is the one that maximizes overall happiness."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At another point he says we are bound by the principle of utility as "the natural constitution of the human frame" often unconsciously and often when our conscious explanations for our actions are inconsistent with the principle of utility.

Yale University

The words applied to Sorel at one point could apply to Stendhal himself: "You haven't a Frenchman's frivolous mind, and you understand the principle of utility".

The Guardian - Books

With Bentham, utilitarianism became the ideological foundation of a reform movement, later known as "philosophical radicalism," that would test all institutions and policies by the principle of utility.

Britannica

Mankind, he said, was governed by two sovereign motives, pain and pleasure; and the principle of utility recognized this state of affairs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Solidarity is not a familiar concept any more; the trades unions are no longer respected; strikes are now judged according to the principle of utility and are condemned by the Greatest Happiness Test.

The Guardian - Opinion

The principle of utility recognizes this subjection, and assumes it for the foundation of that system, the object of which is to rear the fabric of felicity by the hands of reason and law.

Yale University

If we didn't abide by the principle of utility, he says in his little essay, The Psychology of Economic Man, he says, "The human species could not continue in existence and that in a few months, not to say weeks or days, we would be all that would be needed for its annihilation". In other words, the principle of utility expresses our objective interests as living creatures.

Yale University

He deduced from the principle of utility that, since all punishment involves pain and is therefore evil, it ought only to be used "so far as it promises to exclude some greater evil".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The principle of utility judges these norms.

SEP

His guide was the principle of utility.

SEP

Rawls relies on the maximin rule of choice to argue against the principle of utility.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical frameworks or decision-making processes, use "principle of utility" to refer specifically to the concept of maximizing overall well-being or happiness. Be clear about whose happiness is being considered (individual, group, society).

Common error

Avoid equating "principle of utility" with pure self-interest. While individual utility can be a factor, the principle typically aims to maximize overall happiness or well-being, which may require actions that are not immediately beneficial to oneself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principle of utility" primarily functions as a noun phrase. It identifies a core concept in ethical and philosophical discussions. It represents the foundational idea that actions should be judged by their ability to promote happiness or well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The "principle of utility" is a cornerstone of utilitarian ethics, advocating for actions that maximize overall happiness or well-being. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Its application spans diverse fields from moral philosophy to economics, as evidenced by its presence in academic journals, encyclopedias, and news media. While often associated with maximizing benefit, it’s crucial to differentiate it from pure self-interest. Alternative phrases like "utilitarian principle" and "greatest happiness principle" offer similar meanings, while still varying slightly in meaning and connotation. Recognizing its primary function, purpose, and usage patterns will enhance clarity in discussions relating to ethics and decision-making.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilitarian principle

This alternative is a more concise way of referring to the "principle of utility" focusing on the utilitarian aspect.

the utility principle

This alternative represents a shortened, less formal version of the "principle of utility".

greatest happiness principle

This alternative emphasizes the outcome of maximizing happiness, a core tenet of the "principle of utility".

utility maximization

This alternative emphasizes the process of maximizing utility, focusing on the act of optimization.

utilitarianism

This alternative refers to the broader philosophical doctrine underlying the "principle of utility".

cost-benefit analysis

This alternative focuses on the practical application of the principle by weighing costs against benefits.

consequentialism

This alternative broadens the scope to any ethical theory that judges actions by their consequences, including the "principle of utility".

the doctrine of utility

This alternative provides a more formal and academic tone for the "principle of utility".

the calculus of felicity

This alternative represents a more archaic expression for the evaluation of happiness associated with the "principle of utility".

the greatest good for the greatest number

This alternative highlights the collective focus of the "principle of utility".

FAQs

What is the main idea behind the "principle of utility"?

The "principle of utility" asserts that actions are right as they tend to promote happiness or pleasure, and wrong as they tend to produce unhappiness or pain. The goal is to maximize overall well-being.

How can I use the "principle of utility" in a sentence?

You can use it like this: "According to the "principle of utility", a policy should be implemented if it leads to the greatest good for the greatest number of people."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "principle of utility"?

Alternatives include "utilitarian principle", "greatest happiness principle", or the "utility principle", depending on the context.

How does the "principle of utility" relate to utilitarianism?

The "principle of utility" is the foundational concept of utilitarianism, a moral philosophy that judges the rightness of actions based on their consequences in terms of happiness or well-being. Utilitarianism is a broader term than the "principle of utility".