Act utilitarianism

Definition

Act utilitarianism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of individual actions based on the outcomes they produce, specifically focusing on maximizing overall happiness or utility. This approach considers each action in isolation, calculating its potential to create the greatest good for the greatest number, distinguishing it from rule-based utilitarianism which focuses on adhering to rules that generally promote good outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Act utilitarianism focuses on assessing each individual act separately, considering its immediate consequences rather than general rules.
2. The theory emphasizes maximizing overall happiness, meaning actions should be evaluated based on their capacity to generate pleasure and minimize pain.
3. In act utilitarianism, there are no absolute moral rules; what is deemed right can change depending on the context and outcomes of specific situations.
4. Critics of act utilitarianism argue that it can justify morally questionable actions if they produce a net positive outcome, leading to potential conflicts with established moral norms.
5. Act utilitarianism requires individuals to consider the interests of all affected parties equally, promoting a democratic approach to ethical decision-making.

Review Questions

• How does act utilitarianism differ from rule utilitarianism in its approach to evaluating moral actions?
  • Act utilitarianism evaluates each action individually based on its specific consequences, aiming for the greatest happiness in that situation. In contrast, rule utilitarianism assesses actions according to established rules that generally promote the best outcomes when followed consistently. This means that while act utilitarianism can lead to varying conclusions based on circumstances, rule utilitarianism seeks stability through adherence to overarching principles.
• What are some strengths and weaknesses of act utilitarianism as a moral framework?
  • One strength of act utilitarianism is its flexibility, allowing for case-by-case evaluations that can adapt to complex situations and produce positive outcomes. However, this flexibility can also be a weakness; critics argue it might justify harmful acts if they yield beneficial results overall. Additionally, it can be challenging for individuals to predict all consequences accurately, making consistent ethical decision-making difficult.
• Evaluate how act utilitarianism could influence real-world ethical dilemmas, such as medical resource allocation.
  • In real-world scenarios like medical resource allocation, act utilitarianism would prompt decision-makers to consider which allocation could maximize overall health benefits. This means prioritizing treatments that yield the greatest improvement in patient wellbeing across a population. While this approach may lead to efficient use of resources and improved public health outcomes, it could also create ethical tensions by potentially sidelining individual needs or rights. The challenge lies in balancing overall utility with respect for individual circumstances and moral considerations.

Related terms

Consequentialism:

A moral philosophy that judges actions based solely on their outcomes or consequences, where the rightness of an action is determined by its ability to produce favorable results.

Hedonism: The ethical theory that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and primary goal of human life, often used in discussions of utilitarianism regarding what constitutes 'utility.'

Rule Utilitarianism: A variant of utilitarianism that determines the rightness of an action based on whether it conforms to a rule that, if followed consistently, would lead to the greatest good.