Glossary

• u

• Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is a philosophy that, broadly speaking, teaches that men ought to pursue whatever course of action brings the greatest good. Of course, the idea of "the good" will mean different things to different people, a fact that eventually led to criticisms and modifications in the philosophy. Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832) is considered the founder of modern utilitarianism, but John Stuart Mill (1806–1873) is commonly attached to the idea. Oliver O’Donovan (like others) writes that(...)
  Back to Top

• v

• Voluntarism Voluntarism refers to philosophy that initially arose in medieval Europe. It prioritizes will as the principal or dominant factor in the universe. John Frame defines voluntarism as “the view that the will governs the intellect and the emotions.”¹John M. Frame, A History of Western Philosophy and Theology (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing, 2015), 782.
  Back to Top