Rule Utilitarianism Analysis
The idea of utilitarianism classifies actions of being "morally" right or wrong solely based on the results and outcomes of the actions. This paper will analyze the problem that Arthur, "the art dealer", faces with artwork pieces he stumbles upon. Arthur's predicament is that he is given an opportunity to buy looted artworks. His dilemma is to either purchase or to not purchase the art work. This paper will evaluate the two analysis views of a utilitarian: act (extreme) and rule (restricted). First of all, an act (extreme) utilitarian concentrates on the effects of individual actions; therefore, act utilitarian believes that actions should result in the best overall result possible and produce the most usefulness. Usefulness is defined by
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Rule utilitarianism focus on following rules rather than a case by case scenario. Rule utilitarian will look to prior history to see what actions have been taken in similar situations; therefore, there is no concern to “immediate” happiness. They are not concerned with pleasure and pain. They are concerned with long term consequences and the benefits of the whole society. They are concerned with the greatest good. A rule utilitarian will inform Arthur to not purchase the artworks. He will inform Arthur that if he was to purchase the looted artworks, the consequences will be dire. The money will go towards the terrorist organization. The terrorist will then use the money, from the looted goods, to do harm to the whole community and society; therefore, it is wrong to purchase the artworks. The rule utilitarian will also argue that by buying a stolen item is immoral and displays egoism. He will bring up the “golden rule”. Rule utilitarian do not take in any personal account. They will argue that there is order in the world. If Arthur was to purchase the items, it will mean that humanity accepts and enables theft. Given the example about starvation in the community and if murder would be a solution, rule utilitarian would vote to not kill anyone within the
Rule utilitarianism focus on following rules rather than a case by case scenario. Rule utilitarian will look to prior history to see what actions have been taken in similar situations; therefore, there is no concern to “immediate” happiness. They are not concerned with pleasure and pain. They are concerned with long term consequences and the benefits of the whole society. They are concerned with the greatest good. A rule utilitarian will inform Arthur to not purchase the artworks. He will inform Arthur that if he was to purchase the looted artworks, the consequences will be dire. The money will go towards the terrorist organization. The terrorist will then use the money, from the looted goods, to do harm to the whole community and society; therefore, it is wrong to purchase the artworks. The rule utilitarian will also argue that by buying a stolen item is immoral and displays egoism. He will bring up the “golden rule”. Rule utilitarian do not take in any personal account. They will argue that there is order in the world. If Arthur was to purchase the items, it will mean that humanity accepts and enables theft. Given the example about starvation in the community and if murder would be a solution, rule utilitarian would vote to not kill anyone within the