

It is a concept that believes that although following the rules does not always produce the greatest good, not following it will not produce the greatest good either. It adheres to the belief that the correctness of an action is determined by the correctness of its rules and that if the correct rule is followed, the greatest good or happiness is achieved. Rule utilitarianism on the other hand is the belief that an action can be morally right if it conforms to the rules that will lead to the greatest good or happiness. It is a concept that believes that the morality of an action is determined by its usefulness to most of the people, that this act is in accordance with the moral rules since it brings greater good or happiness. While these two reflect on the consequences or usefulness of an action, they are two different views.Īct utilitarianism is the belief that it is the right action that brings the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people. One is Act utilitarianism and the other is Rule utilitarianism. This theory or belief is called utilitarianism. They believe that the greatest pleasure of the greatest number of people should be the result of the action that you make which will render it morally right. Some people adhere to the belief that the moral significance of an action is determined by its outcome.


But then, will it be also morally right to kill a paedophile in order to save children from being harmed by him? The discussion and argument continues as long as people have different views on morality and the proper way to act in society. With this argument, it becomes morally right to steal food or medicine to save a life. Some people believe that it is morally right to break a rule in order to do a greater good. Sometimes though, we do things not in accordance with the rules but based on what we feel is the right thing to do.

We do things, careful not to break any of the rules that might hurt or cause harm to others. Society expects us to act in such a way that will conform to these rules in order to live happy, harmonious lives. Our world is governed by rules, either implied or implemented, and early on we are taught to live by these rules. Act Utilitarianism vs Rule Utilitarianism
