In: Psychology
Distinguish the difference between act and rule-utilitarianism. What are they and how are they different? After presenting the views raise one objection for act-utilitarianism. Explain why it poses a problem for act-utilitarianism. Is this also a problem for rule-utilitarianism? Why or why not?
ACT UTILITARIANISM-
Jeremy Benthem is supposed to be the pioneer of act utilitarianism.
"Pain and pleasure are the facets bestowed upon human beings by Nature" is the essesnce of act utilitarianism.
Consequences allied with a single act are dealt with by act utilitarianism.
"The greatest good for the greatest number of people" is the prime ideology behind act utilitarianism.
Maximisation of utility is the chief/ significant concern of act utilitarianism.
RULE UTILITARIANISM-
Consequences allied with the framework of rules of the conduct are dealt with through rule utilitarianism.
Behaviours are attempted to be standardised with the help of rules laid down by rule utilitarianism philosophy.
The at par rules cultivate at par actions and behaviours.
The truth is that if rule utilitarianism fails to fetch greataer good, breaking the rules/ standards set will also not fetch greater good.
PROBLEM FOR ACT UTILITARIANISM-
Some of the aspects of human life like- cheating, violence, enslavement, sexual misbehaviour may produce happiness for someone or a considerable/ mediocre number of people.
These actions can never be justified on the basis of the happiness generated or utility displayed for the said number of people. Therefore, these acts cannot be treated morally permissible.
But the same above mentioned attribute is not an issue/ a problem for rule utilitarianism as there are rules governing and cultivating just actions that are morally permissible.