take a utilitarian approach

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a utilitarian approach" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing decision-making or problem-solving strategies that prioritize the greatest good for the greatest number of people. Example: "In addressing the ethical dilemma, we decided to take a utilitarian approach, focusing on the outcomes that would benefit the majority."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Pink Parcel Not for those who take a utilitarian approach to their period.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some customers take a utilitarian approach to your offerings, some engage emotionally and some fanatically.

Huffington Post

There has been a long debate about how far science should take a utilitarian approach.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Thomas takes a utilitarian approach to the problem, attempting to convince corporations, pension funds, and other investors that the price of continuing to ignore the impact of greenhouse-gas emissions will soon greatly exceed the cost of reducing them.

The New Yorker

Rather, they take a utilitarian, opportunistic approach".

The New Yorker

But basically, I take a utilitarian stance.

The New York Times

Schools, on the other hand, take a more utilitarian approach and use it as a way to manage pupils' behaviour.

The Economist

Some of Arcangel's novelists, or novelists-in-waiting, take a more utilitarian approach to tweeting about their writing, often tweeting simply to announce that they're writing and therefore can't be sitting around tweeting.

The New Yorker

Abbott, often considered a political scion of Howard, has taken a similarly utilitarian approach to climate change policy.

The Guardian

He represents the apotheosis of a utilitarian approach to drugs; and it is therefore logical, if he was going to take drugs, that he would gravitate toward speed, which is the utilitarian drug par excellence.

The New Yorker

The names assigned to each item — the City Anorak, the Cotton Turtleneck — conjure a utilitarian approach that prioritizes efficiency over all.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethical dilemmas, use "take a utilitarian approach" to clearly convey that the decision-making process prioritizes outcomes benefiting the majority. For example: "Faced with limited resources, the committee decided to take a utilitarian approach, allocating funds to programs with the widest reach."

Common error

Avoid using "take a utilitarian approach" to justify actions that merely serve convenience or self-interest under the guise of benefiting the majority. Ensure a genuine, unbiased assessment of all potential consequences is conducted. Utilitarianism requires a transparent and ethical consideration of all parties involved, not a convenient excuse for personal gain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a utilitarian approach" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice to apply utilitarian principles in decision-making or problem-solving. Ludwig AI examples show it's used to describe a methodology prioritizing the greatest good for the greatest number.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a utilitarian approach" is a phrase used to describe a decision-making process that prioritizes the greatest good for the greatest number. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While relatively uncommon, the phrase appears across various contexts, including news, science, and business, indicating its relevance in discussions of ethics and strategy. When using this phrase, ensure that your decision-making process considers all potential consequences and aims for overall well-being, not merely expediency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adopt a utilitarian perspective

Focuses on the theoretical grounding rather than the active implementation.

employ a consequentialist strategy

Highlights the focus on consequences, a core tenet of utilitarianism.

prioritize the greater good

Simplifies the concept to its core principle of benefiting the majority.

opt for the most beneficial outcome

Emphasizes the selection of a choice that yields positive results.

choose the option that maximizes benefit

Focuses on the act of choosing and the aim of maximizing positive outcomes.

favor the course of action with the widest benefit

Suggests a preference for actions that positively impact a large group.

apply a cost-benefit analysis

Details a specific method used to assess utilitarian choices.

make decisions based on overall welfare

Highlights the focus on overall well-being as the basis for choices.

implement a pragmatic solution

Shifts from ethical consideration to a practically effective approach, focusing on results rather than ethics.

follow a results-oriented methodology

Moves away from ethical concerns focusing on a practical, effective approach.

FAQs

How can I use "take a utilitarian approach" in a sentence?

You can use "take a utilitarian approach" to describe a method of decision-making that focuses on maximizing overall well-being. For instance, "To address the resource scarcity, we decided to "take a utilitarian approach", prioritizing the needs of the many over the few."

What does it mean to "take a utilitarian approach"?

To "take a utilitarian approach" means to make decisions based on what will produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It involves weighing the potential benefits and harms of different actions and choosing the one that maximizes overall happiness or well-being.

What are some alternatives to "take a utilitarian approach"?

Alternatives to "take a utilitarian approach" include "adopt a utilitarian perspective", "prioritize the greater good", or "employ a consequentialist strategy", all of which convey a focus on maximizing overall benefit.

Is it always ethical to "take a utilitarian approach"?

While "taking a utilitarian approach" aims to maximize overall well-being, it may sometimes lead to outcomes that are considered unfair or unjust to individuals or minority groups. Balancing utilitarian considerations with principles of justice and fairness is crucial in ethical decision-making.