utilitarian rationale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utilitarian rationale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a justification or reasoning based on the principle of utility, often in ethical or philosophical contexts. Example: "The utilitarian rationale for implementing the new policy is that it will maximize overall happiness for the majority."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

The judges invoked a utilitarian rationale, justified on the basis of medical testimony.

The New York Times

It is a utilitarian rationale that fails to trump the principle Carter claims to affirm.

The New York Times - Books

(For a discussion of the utilitarian rationale for enactment of a social minimum, see Brandt 1981).

SEP

A utilitarian rationale based on maximizing health gains from the allocation of a scarce resource to avoid "wastage," were rarely expressed.

BMC Nephrology

In contrast, utilitarian rationale based on the maximisation of health gain from the allocation of a scarce resource to avoid "wastage" was rarely expressed.

BMC Nephrology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He joined Rawls and American philosopher Robert Nozick in rejecting utilitarian rationales for sacrificing the vital interests of some individuals in furtherance of the interests of others, but he likewise assailed the extreme individualism of Nozick's libertarian principles of justice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On this rationale, a utilitarian evaluation of the costs and benefits of a cull would have to recognize that individual animals also share an interest in the ecological communities of which they are a part.

Evolutionary Applications

This pragmatic and instrumental rationale is often considered utilitarian, although many moral doctrines endorse duties to protect patients and research participants.

SEP

Advocates of this rationale echo ideas from utilitarian philosopher John Stuart Mill, and say that patients and research participants are typically the best judges of their own good and mind it far more than doctors do, even when doctors assure them that what they are doing is in the best interest of the patients and study participants (compare Mill 1990, e.g. 215).

SEP

Indeed, philosophers of very different backgrounds – utilitarian and Kantian respectively – have concluded that this rationale for a different moral status of non-human animals is anything but convincing.

Bioethics

The rationale for all the rights he recognizes is utilitarian.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "utilitarian rationale", ensure that the context clearly demonstrates a focus on maximizing overall benefit or minimizing harm for the greatest number.

Common error

Avoid using "utilitarian rationale" when the justification primarily benefits a select few or disregards the rights and well-being of a minority, as this contradicts the core principle of maximizing overall welfare.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utilitarian rationale" functions as a noun phrase that describes the type of reasoning or justification being used. It specifies that the rationale is rooted in utilitarianism, a philosophical approach that prioritizes maximizing overall well-being. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a justification based on the principle of utility.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utilitarian rationale" is a noun phrase used to describe a justification based on the principle of maximizing overall well-being. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically sound and its purpose is to explain decisions rooted in the greatest good. It's primarily used in formal contexts like science, news, and encyclopedias, but less so in business or informal settings. Related phrases include "practical justification" and "functional reasoning". When using this phrase, ensure the context focuses on benefits to the majority and avoids sacrificing minority rights.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

greatest good principle

This alternative puts more emphasis on the ethical component of what can be considered utilitarian.

consequentialist justification

Highlights that the justification is based on the consequences of an action or decision.

practical justification

Focuses on the practicality and effectiveness of the justification, emphasizing real-world application.

welfare maximization justification

Focuses on increasing overall welfare as the main justification for a decision.

pragmatic reasoning

Focuses on the practicality and real-world implications of the reasoning, prioritizing effectiveness over abstract principles.

functional reasoning

Highlights the functional aspect of the reasoning, stressing how it serves a specific purpose or goal.

results-oriented justification

Emphasizes that the justification focuses on achieving specific outcomes or results.

efficiency-based reasoning

Emphasizes efficiency as the primary driver behind the reasoning, focusing on optimizing resource use.

cost-benefit analysis

Highlights the economic aspect of the decision-making process, focusing on maximizing gains while minimizing costs.

expediency based justification

This suggests the justification is based primarily on convenience and achieving a desired result efficiently.

FAQs

What does "utilitarian rationale" mean?

A "utilitarian rationale" refers to a justification or reasoning based on the principle of utility, which seeks to maximize overall well-being or minimize harm for the greatest number of people. It prioritizes outcomes that produce the most benefit for society as a whole.

How is a "utilitarian rationale" applied in ethical decision-making?

In ethical decision-making, a "utilitarian rationale" involves weighing the potential consequences of different actions and choosing the one that is expected to produce the greatest overall happiness or the least suffering. It often involves balancing competing interests and making difficult trade-offs.

What are some criticisms of using a "utilitarian rationale"?

Some criticisms include that it can be difficult to accurately predict all consequences, it may lead to sacrificing the rights of individuals for the greater good, and it can be challenging to compare and quantify different types of well-being. Philosophers also argue about different definitions of welfare.

Are there alternatives to justifying decisions based on a "utilitarian rationale"?

Yes, alternatives include deontological ethics (focusing on duties and rules), virtue ethics (emphasizing character and moral virtues), and rights-based approaches (prioritizing individual rights and freedoms). You could also consider a "consequentialist justification", which might be more appropriate in some cases.