utilitarian justification

USAGE SUMMARY

"utilitarian justification" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to explain why a particular decision is being made, especially one that is based on a belief that the action will result in the greatest benefit or utility for the most people. For example, you could say, "The Mayor's decision to implement the new policy was based on a utilitarian justification, meaning she believed it would create the most benefit for the majority of the city's citizens."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Many objections its impracticability, its neglect of the special claims of one's parents were raised against this new doctrine, but Mozi demonstrated that the principle of undifferentiated love had in it both utilitarian justification and divine sanction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mill's utilitarian justification of secondary principles is intended as a contrast with the intuitionism of William Whewell and others.

SEP

Also, they should set aside these secondary principles and make direct appeal to the principle of utility in unusual cases in which it is especially clear that the effects of adhering to the principle would be substantially suboptimal and in cases in which secondary principles, each of which has a utilitarian justification, conflict (II 19, 24 25).

SEP

The pro-EIT arguments of a Marc Thiessen, faithfully channeling Dick Cheney and Donald Rumsfeld, amount essentially to a utilitarian justification of a euphemism for torture in the name of national security.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In conscious opposition to the utilitarian-naturalistic justification of modern individualism, Kant viewed moral action as simultaneously principled and self-disciplined and expressive of genuine freedom and autonomy.

SEP

Raskolnikov's inner conflict in the opening section of the novel results in a utilitarian-altruistic justification for the proposed crime: why not kill a wretched and "useless" old moneylender to alleviate the human misery?

Wikipedia

But, if his remedies were tactically impractical, in political philosophy he had gone very deep by providing the sovereign nation-state with a pragmatic justification and directing it to utilitarian ends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mill did much to articulate the justification, content, and implications of utilitarian and liberal principles.

SEP

If we cannot appeal to the progress-enhancing features of intellectual property protection, then the utilitarian can hardly appeal to such progress as justification.

SEP

The usual justification for interesting children in programming is utilitarian.

The Guardian - Opinion

In this case, one's "method of ethics" would be rational egoism, but the ultimate philosophical justification for this method would appeal to utilitarian principles.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utilitarian justification", clearly articulate the benefits and who receives them to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "utilitarian justification" as a blanket statement. Always provide specific details about the utility being derived and how it outweighs potential drawbacks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utilitarian justification" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific type of reasoning. It describes the act of providing reasons or evidence to support a decision or action based on its utility or benefit, particularly in terms of maximizing overall well-being. As Ludwig AI explains, this justification is rooted in achieving the greatest good for the greatest number.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utilitarian justification" is a noun phrase used to describe the act of justifying a decision based on its overall utility or benefit, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: clearly articulate the benefits and who receives them to strengthen your argument. Alternatives such as "pragmatic justification" or "utilitarian rationale" can be used depending on the context. Remember to avoid overgeneralizations and to provide specific details about the utility derived and how it outweighs potential drawbacks.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilitarian rationale

This alternative replaces "justification" with "rationale", implying a reasoned basis rooted in utility.

pragmatic justification

This alternative emphasizes the practical aspect of the justification, focusing on real-world effectiveness.

functional justification

This alternative highlights the purpose and the role that the justification serves.

practical reason

This alternative simplifies the phrase to emphasize the actionable and beneficial aspect of the reason.

instrumental justification

Focuses on the justification being a tool or instrument to achieve a goal.

expediency as justification

This phrase emphasizes the convenience and advantageous nature of the justification.

utility-based defense

This option uses the word 'defense', positioning the utilitarian aspect as a counter-argument.

worth-based justification

Centers on the value and merit ascribed in order to offer a justification.

consequentialist justification

Highlights the consequences of an action as the basis of its justification.

benefit-driven rationale

Uses "benefit-driven" to describe how the rationale is based on a value received or obtained

FAQs

How to use "utilitarian justification" in a sentence?

You can use "utilitarian justification" to explain why a decision was made based on the belief that it would result in the greatest good for the greatest number of people. For instance: "The government's investment in renewable energy had a "utilitarian justification", aiming to benefit the environment and future generations".

What is an example of a "utilitarian justification"?

A classic example of a "utilitarian justification" is prioritizing infrastructure projects that benefit the most people, even if some individuals are negatively impacted. For instance, building a highway that reduces commute times for thousands, despite displacing a small number of residents.

What can I say instead of "utilitarian justification"?

You can use alternatives like "pragmatic justification", "utilitarian rationale", or "functional justification" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "utilitarian justification" and "moral justification"?

"Utilitarian justification" focuses on maximizing overall well-being, whereas "moral justification" relies on principles of right and wrong, regardless of the consequences. A moral justification might prioritize individual rights even if it leads to a less optimal outcome for society as a whole.