differences between Act and Rule Utilitarianism Since it began‚ there have been two main exponents of Utilitarianism. They are Jeremy Bentham and J S Mill‚ and both of them base their own individual theories on the principle of utility‚ which defines something (an act‚ etc) dependent on if it achieves "the greatest happiness for the greatest number". This makes Utilitarianism a relativistic and consequentialist argument‚ as it takes into account only the outcome of events rather than the act itself as means
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(Redirected from Utilitarian) Jump to: navigation‚ search This article discusses utilitarian ethical theory. For a discussion of John Stuart Mill’s essay Utilitarianism (1861)‚ see Utilitarianism (book). The Utilitarianism series‚ part of the Politics series Utilitarian Thinkers[show] Jeremy Bentham John Stuart Mill Henry Sidgwick Peter Singer Forms[show] preference utilitarianism rule utilitarianism act utilitarianism Two-level utilitarianism Total utilitarianism Average
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concepts: rule and act utilitarianism. Should we give these beggars money or not? In deciding whether we give or not‚ the answer for that is we should give. Why? Act utilitarianism basically states that an action is moral if it produces the greatest happiness for the most people. This reason alone the act of giving them would be a good idea‚ because it would benefit the most amount of people. At a first glance in the problem‚ by just wishing them to just go away‚ ignoring and disappear from our sight
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Utilitarianism was developed in the 18th century by Hutchenson‚ who used the phrase "the greatest good for the greatest number" to describe his theory. His idea of Utilitarianism‚ however‚ seeks to find a rational means of assessing how best to put this promotion of happiness into practice‚ and is split into two types; Act Utilitarianism is the earliest form‚ in which what is deemed right is based on the assessment of results of a particular action‚ and Rule Utilitarianism‚ which allows to be taken
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There are obvious problems with both Act and Rule Utilitarianism. Both theories share the common goal of achieving the greatest happiness for the greatest amount of people. However‚ it is impossible to measure or compare happiness‚ as one persons happiness may not necessarily be another’s. And how do we measure intangible gain‚ such as happiness against material gain‚ such as money? The root principle is a good concept‚ but it’s the means to which we arrive at the end that cause the problems. In
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Act Utilitarianism vs Rule Utilitarianism Our world is governed by rules‚ either implied or implemented‚ and early on we are taught to live by these rules. Society expects us to act in such a way that will conform to these rules in order to live happy‚ harmonious lives. We do things‚ careful not to break any of the rules that might hurt or cause harm to others. Sometimes though‚ we do things not in accordance with the rules but based on what we feel is the right thing to do. Some people believe
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Act utilitarianism states that‚ when faced with a choice‚ we must first consider the likely consequences of potential actions and‚ from that‚ choose to do what we believe will generate the most pleasure. The rule utilitarian‚ on the other hand‚ begins by looking at potential rules of action. To determine whether a rule should be followed‚ he or she looks at what would happen if it were constantly followed. If adherence to the rule produces more happiness than otherwise‚ it is a rule that morally
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the rules and principles that ought to govern it and there are two levels: on individual level and on society level. On individual level is a person’s own moral beliefs i.e. what he accepts as right and wrong‚ good or bad. For example‚ vegetarian and non-vegetarian and on society level is norms and standards accepted by a society. The word ethics derived from Greek word‚ ‘Ethos’ which means customs. Ethics is basically the philosophical study of morality and the word moral is derived from a Latin
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you can guarantee the best possible outcome. In this particular situation with the bomber‚ I believe we should take the Utilitarian-Act Consequentialism approach; and torture the bomber as an attempt to get him to reveal the location. Simply because‚ Act Consequentialism will focus more on the overall happiness that it will bring to all those involved. Seeing as how they have apprehended the bomber‚ and interrogated him to no avail. It is the police commissioners only hope to confirm the publics’
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Act Utilitarianism The theory of Utilitarianism was first developed by Jeremy Bentham who was a philosopher of the 18th century. Bentham developed this theory to create a modern and rational approach to morality which would suit the changing society. Bentham’s theory Act Utilitarianism has many strengths and weaknesses. A Strength is that this theory is considers the consequences and happiness which an action has created. This is because Act Utilitarianism is a teleological theory where actions
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