utilitarianism

utilitarian +‎ -ism

utilitarianism (countable and uncountable, plural utilitarianisms)

1. (philosophy) A system of ethics based on the premise that something's value may be measured by its usefulness.
2. (philosophy) The theory that action should be directed toward achieving the "greatest happiness for the greatest number of people" (hedonistic universalism), or one of various related theories.
3. Practicality, functionality, as opposed to e.g. aesthetics.
   • 1979 August 25, Vicki Gabriner, Susan Freundlich, “Bridging the Gaps between Deaf and Hearing Lesbians”, in Gay Community News, volume 7, number 6, page 8:

     After a few more concerts, my uneasiness took form: the response seemed only to be to the Interpreter as Performer. The reviews praised her artistry. But I heard few women speak of her as a bridge in communication for deaf women, about her function, her "utilitarianism."