Introduction
Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism are two different concepts connected to the study of ethics. The theory of utilitarianism focuses on performing acts that benefit a great number of people. There are two kinds of utilitarianism: act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. The main difference between these two variations lies in their approach – act utilitarianism considers the consequences of the act, while rule utilitarianism is based on rules.
What is Act Utilitarianism?
Act utilitarianism is concerned with the consequences of the act in determining whether it is good or bad. It prioritizes the person or group of people who benefit the most from the act. Act utilitarianism is result-oriented, emphasizing the outcome over the rules involved. For example, if you decide to impersonate your deceased friend to spare his blind parents the pain of his death, this would be considered act utilitarianism.
What is Rule Utilitarianism?
Rule utilitarianism is based on rules of conduct and important principles. In this approach, a rule is agreed upon first, and then the act is performed. The act is considered good or bad based on the outcome determined by the agreed-upon rule. Rule utilitarianism emphasizes adhering to the rules and principles, regardless of the consequences. For instance, if you inform your deceased friend’s blind parents of his death because you believe in the principle of telling the truth, this would be an example of rule utilitarianism.
What is the difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism?
The main differences between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism are as follows:
– Act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of the act, while rule utilitarianism is based on rules of conduct.
– In act utilitarianism, the consequence determines whether the act is good or bad, whereas in rule utilitarianism, the act is evaluated based on the result of the agreed-upon rules.
– Act utilitarianism prioritizes the person or group that benefits the most from the act, whereas rule utilitarianism emphasizes adhering to the rules.
– Act utilitarianism is result-oriented, while rule utilitarianism prioritizes following the rules.
Highlights
– The difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism lies in their approach to ethics.
– Act Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of an act and is result-oriented.
– Rule Utilitarianism is based on rules of conduct and principles, and the act is determined to be good or bad based on the agreed-upon rules.
