Act utilitarianism

Definition

Act utilitarianism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of an action based on its overall consequences, specifically aiming to maximize happiness or utility for the greatest number of people. This approach emphasizes that the moral value of each individual action is determined by its outcome, rather than by adherence to rules or principles. Act utilitarianism contrasts with rule utilitarianism, which focuses on following general rules that lead to the greatest good.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Act utilitarianism evaluates each individual action based on whether it produces the most happiness, which means that different actions can be morally right in different situations.
2. This approach requires a consideration of the potential outcomes of an action, emphasizing a flexible and situational method for determining morality.
3. One criticism of act utilitarianism is that it may justify actions that are generally considered wrong if they result in greater overall happiness, leading to moral dilemmas.
4. Act utilitarianism aligns with social contract theory by suggesting that individuals agree to cooperate for mutual benefit and maximize overall welfare.
5. Philosophers like Jeremy Bentham and John Stuart Mill are key figures associated with utilitarian thought, laying foundational ideas for act utilitarianism.

Review Questions

• How does act utilitarianism differ from rule utilitarianism in evaluating moral actions?
  • Act utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of each specific action to determine its moral worth, while rule utilitarianism evaluates the correctness of actions based on adherence to general rules that tend to promote the greatest good. This means that under act utilitarianism, an action could be deemed acceptable if it results in a net positive outcome, even if it breaks a rule. In contrast, rule utilitarianism would prioritize following established rules, even if an individual action might yield better consequences.
• Discuss the relationship between act utilitarianism and social contract theory in terms of maximizing collective welfare.
  • Act utilitarianism complements social contract theory by emphasizing mutual cooperation among individuals to maximize collective happiness. The social contract suggests that individuals agree to form a society for mutual benefit, which aligns with act utilitarianism's goal of evaluating actions based on their impact on overall well-being. In this sense, both theories advocate for creating frameworks within which individuals can contribute to a greater common good while considering the consequences of their actions.
• Critically analyze how act utilitarianism can lead to ethical conflicts in real-world scenarios, and propose possible solutions to these dilemmas.
  • Act utilitarianism can create ethical conflicts when actions that maximize happiness for the majority may harm minorities or violate widely accepted moral principles. For instance, justifying harmful actions toward a few individuals if it benefits many can lead to serious moral dilemmas. One possible solution is incorporating safeguards to ensure that minority rights are protected, encouraging a more balanced approach that still considers overall utility but respects individual rights. Additionally, fostering open discussions about ethical standards could help align individual actions with collective well-being without sacrificing core moral values.

Related terms

Utility: A measure of the satisfaction or happiness gained from an action, often used in ethical theories to determine the best course of action.

Consequentialism:

An ethical theory that judges the rightness of actions solely by their outcomes, asserting that the ends can justify the means.

Hedonism: The philosophical idea that pleasure or happiness is the highest good and the primary motivation for human behavior.