Webster's English Dictionary

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utilitarianism

util.i.tar.i.an.ism \-e--*-.niz-*m\ n 1: a doctrine that the useful is the 
   good and that the determining consider ation of right conduct should be the 
   usefulness of its consequences; specif : a theory that the aim of action is 
   the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest 
   happiness of the greatest number 2: utilitarian character, spirit, or 
   quality