Benthamic

/bɛnˈθæmɪk/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or characteristic of Jeremy Bentham or his philosophical ideas about maximizing happiness and utility.

Etymology

From Bentham, the surname of British philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832), plus the suffix -ic meaning 'of or relating to.' The term emerged in the 19th century to describe concepts derived from his utilitarian philosophy.

Kelly Says

Jeremy Bentham was so committed to the idea that the body could serve science that he had himself dissected after death and his skeleton displayed at University College London—where it still sits today, embodying his belief that everything, even bodies, should be useful!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.