Question

For this question, pretend you are running for public office and some keen student shows up at a public meeting and asks you about how you will make decisions if elected. Your answer must include three parts:

Part A: Provide an explanation of the difference between the Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitariansm? (This part requires you to define both types … for the non student members of the audience)

Part B: Provide an explanation of how, if elected, you will make decisions. In other words, for this part, you need to state whether you will base decision making on the basis of Act Utilitarianism or Rule Utilitarianism. You also need to explain why you think one is better than the other. (There’s no right or wrong answer. Just convince me of your opinion.)

Part C: Provide an example of how a decision affecting the economy would differ if you made decisions on the basis of Act Utilitarianism versus Rule Utilitarianism (or vice versa)

Answer 1

A. Difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism is that the former is an ethical theory which highlights the morality of an action which is determined by the good and happiness of the people while the rule utilitarianism is also an ethical theory that highlights the morality of an action when it conforms to certain rule that leads to the usefulness of the people.

B. As a leader if i would be elected i am not gonna jump into one theory only the situation decides how it should be handled whether following the former one or the later one for example if one has to take intutive decision in the cases like torture or rape or cases like any charity or something which going to bring happiness without affecting the society in bad way i will be going with act utilitarianism but if issues come like people for their happiness or convience want to drive on the right side of the road that would be completely inappropriate because there is rule so i would be going with the rule ulitirianism so it all depends on the situation to be assessed.

C. In the terms of an economy let's say that you have to pay taxes at a fixed rate which is fixed as per rules but people wants to steal that tax and use it for their benefit which would bring happiness to them this would be inappropriate as per rules you are supposed to pay it then rule ulitiarinsm will be affecting on act utilitiarinism.