Act utilitarianism

Definition

Act utilitarianism is a moral theory that suggests that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by its consequences, specifically the overall happiness or utility it produces. This approach focuses on evaluating each individual action based on whether it maximizes pleasure and minimizes pain, rather than adhering to predetermined rules or laws. It aligns closely with the ideas of Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill, who emphasized the importance of outcomes in ethical decision-making.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Act utilitarianism evaluates individual actions based solely on their outcomes, meaning that different actions can be deemed right or wrong depending on their context and results.
2. Bentham's principle of utility states that actions should aim to produce the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people, which is central to act utilitarianism.
3. John Stuart Mill expanded on Bentham's ideas by differentiating between higher and lower pleasures, arguing that intellectual and moral pleasures are superior to purely physical ones.
4. Critics argue that act utilitarianism can lead to morally questionable decisions if they yield a greater overall happiness, such as justifying harmful actions against individuals for the sake of the majority.
5. Act utilitarianism requires a calculation of potential outcomes, which can be complex and unpredictable, making it challenging to apply in real-world situations.

Review Questions

• How does act utilitarianism differ from rule utilitarianism in terms of ethical decision-making?
  • Act utilitarianism focuses on evaluating each individual action based on its specific consequences, allowing for flexibility and context-specific moral judgments. In contrast, rule utilitarianism emphasizes adherence to rules that generally promote the greatest good, leading to more consistent ethical standards. While act utilitarianism can justify actions based on their outcomes alone, rule utilitarianism seeks to establish guidelines that simplify decision-making and promote overall utility over time.
• What are some criticisms of act utilitarianism regarding its application in real-life scenarios?
  • Critics argue that act utilitarianism can justify morally questionable actions if they result in greater overall happiness. For instance, it might endorse sacrificing an individual for the benefit of many, raising concerns about individual rights and justice. Additionally, calculating potential outcomes can be complex and unpredictable, making it difficult to determine what actions will truly maximize happiness in real-world situations. This reliance on outcome-based reasoning can lead to inconsistent moral judgments.
• Evaluate how Bentham's and Mill's interpretations of act utilitarianism contribute to modern ethical discussions in philosophy.
  • Bentham's interpretation laid the groundwork for act utilitarianism by emphasizing quantitative measures of pleasure and pain through his principle of utility, which argues for maximizing happiness for the greatest number. Mill advanced this view by introducing qualitative distinctions between pleasures, suggesting that intellectual satisfaction is superior to mere physical enjoyment. Together, their contributions help shape contemporary debates about ethics by highlighting the balance between outcomes and moral principles while sparking discussions on individual rights versus collective good in various societal contexts.

Related terms

consequentialism: A moral theory that asserts that the consequences of an action are the primary basis for any judgment about its moral rightness.

hedonism: A philosophical viewpoint that considers pleasure or happiness as the highest good and the ultimate aim of human life.

rule utilitarianism:

A variant of utilitarianism that suggests the morality of an action should be judged based on whether it adheres to rules that, if followed generally, would lead to the greatest good.