Utilitarianism Terms

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

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

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

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