What is the difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule - ProProfs Discuss
Advertisement

What is the difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism?

Asked by Jenske , Last updated: Jan 09, 2024

+ Answer
Request
Question menu
Vote up Vote down

5 Answers

G. Cole

G. Cole

Find happiness in writing new things.

G. Cole
G. Cole, English Professor, PhD, Canterbury

Answered Dec 03, 2020

Act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism are two different ideas that are associated with ethics. The theory of utilitarianism rests in implementing acts that are either good or bad and right or wrong. Act utilitarianism is concerned with the consequences of the act. On the contrary, rule utilitarianism is built on rules.

Act utilitarianism relates to the person or group who benefits the most from the act. It is demonstrating a result-oriented purpose. If a disabled parent has a son or daughter who dies, and someone steps into the role of a helper for the parent, this is act utilitarianism.

On the other hand, rule utilitarianism focuses on the rules of conduct and other critical variables that characterize rule. In rule utilitarianism, a rule is agreed upon first, which is followed by the act. The act can either be described as good or bad, depending upon the rules that have been approved. Those who are for rule utilitarian do not want to break the rules whatever the cost that comes. It is the obligation of the performers to adhere to these rules. Rule utilitarianism is unique because you do not mind the consequences of the act, as you tend to obey the rules or principles.

upvote downvote
Reply 

Maxence

Maxence

Have keen interest in writing, traveller by heart.

Maxence
Maxence , Writer, Vienna

Answered Nov 27, 2020

There are differences between rule utilitarianism and act utilitarianism. When you say act utilitarian, you are only considering one act and what the possible consequences of that one act are going to be. When you say rule utilitarianism, this means that you are considering what the potential consequences are going to be based on the rules that have been carried out. This would depend on the rule of conduct available. Another thing that should be noted is for act, you would need to think about the action that will be most beneficial for everyone involved. When you say rule, you are going to think about the different actions that people are doing as a group and how other people will be affected because of these actions.
upvote downvote
Reply 

E. Austin

E. Austin

E. Austin
E. Austin

Answered Aug 12, 2020

Many people believe that the outcome determines the moral importance of action. The most significant amount of people who benefit from the issue ideally should be the result or the consequence of the action that you make, which makes it morally correct. This theory is called utilitarianism. There are two different kinds of utilitarianism including, Act totalitarianism which is the belief it is the right

action taken that leads to the right outcome. It is a theory more focused on the results. The belief lies in the usefulness and impact of the action itself. Rule utilitarianism is the certainty that an action can be morally correct if it conforms to the rules that have been settled upon by society.

It is a system based on the belief that there is a reason for the rules. These rules include conduct and principles. These two theories are heavily studied in ethics.

upvote downvote
Reply 

D. gray

D. gray

Building buildings and building intelligence

D. gray
D. gray, Builder, Builder, Las Vegas

Answered Aug 04, 2020

People may become confused between ACT and RULE utilitarianism in the beginning because they seem to be the same. The more that you understand their differences, the more that you will know how different they are. When you say act utilitarianism, this means that you are only looking into the results of something that has been done.

The act may have been something that is very simple. When you say RULE utilitarianism, this means that you would like to make sure that there are various consequences that are available after doing a rule of conduct.

For example, for those who follow rule utilitarianism, they would say that murder is wrong not only because of the act itself but because of how much it can affect the happiness of everyone involved. When you say act utilitarianism, the act itself is being condemned because it is wrong.

upvote downvote
Reply 

C.Charlotte

C.Charlotte

C.Charlotte
C.Charlotte

Answered Jul 31, 2020

Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism are two types of utilitarian theories that focus on ethics. Act Utilitarianism determines how morale an action is, which is based on how useful the action is to the user. Rule utilitarianism also focuses on the morality of an action, but it is based on how it improves the happiness or the good for the people that it is happening to. Though both types are rooted in morals, act utilitarianism focuses on the number of people that the good happens to. On the contrary, rule utilitarianism focuses on rules that affect the most amount of people.
upvote downvote
Reply 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader
Image Preview
Search for Google images Google Image Icon
Select a recommended image
Upload from your computer Loader

Email Sent
We have sent an email to your address "" with instructions to reset your password.