Utilitarianism Term Analysis

A priori

A philosophical term from the Latin for “from the earlier.” Although its connotations are complex, in short, the term refers to knowledge that is accessible prior to, or independently from, experience. The term is most… read analysis of A priori

Utility

Another word for net or aggregate happiness, which is utilitarianism’s principal measure of good and evil. Since Mill defines happiness as “pleasure and the absence of pain,” the utility of an action is essentially the… read analysis of Utility

Expediency

A now-uncommon term for what is convenient or advantageous. Mill carefully distinguishes between two interpretations of this word: in popular discourse, something is usually “expedient” if it is good for the doer, but not necessarily… read analysis of Expediency

First Principles

A term for the most fundamental principles of a discipline or field of knowledge. First principles are fundamental assumptions on which the rest of a discipline is based. In philosophy, this essentially means a priori… read analysis of First Principles

Secondary Principles

According to Mill, secondary principles are principles that can be derived directly from first principles, but that are not themselves fundamental. In the realm of ethics, this means rules that people should follow… read analysis of Secondary Principles

Utilitarianism Terms

A priori

Utility

Expediency

First Principles

Secondary Principles