felicific calculus

noun

: a method of determining the rightness of an action by balancing the probable pleasures and pains that it would produce

Word History

First Known Use

1945, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of felicific calculus was in 1945

Dictionary Entries Near felicific calculus

felicific

felicific calculus

felicitate

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Cite this Entry

“Felicific calculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/felicific%20calculus. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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