Act vs Rule Utilitarianism Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the introduction to an essay on which is better, act utilitarianism or rule utilitarianism?

Rule utilitarianism is better than act utilitarianism.

What are the sections to an essay on which is better, act utilitarianism or rule utilitarianism? (Select all that apply)

Rule utilitarianism is more actionable (correct)

Rule utilitarianism can address objections to act utilitarianism (correct)

Rule utilitarianism is less actionable

Rule utilitarianism does not collapse (correct)

What is Nathanson's (2017) argument on rule utilitarianism collapsing?

Rule utilitarians face difficult challenges in formulating utility-based rules that have a reasonable degree of flexibility.

What does Lyons (1976) argue about moral rules?

There can be a ranking of moral rules based on which increases aggregate utility the most in the longer term. Signup and view all the answers

What do rules maximize in the longer term?

Maximize utility. Signup and view all the answers

What do exceptions towards rules not necessarily mean?

Exceptions do not mean a convergence towards act utilitarianism as long as there are definitions beforehand. Signup and view all the answers

What does Harsanyi (1953) argue about rules?

People would have increased utility just from having a set of rules they can consent to. Signup and view all the answers

What does Urmson (1953) believe about Mill?

Mill provides an account of rule utilitarianism because of the conformity to moral rules that increase utility. Signup and view all the answers

What is the analogy for people being better off with rules?

Each country thinks that the other countries will pollute anyway; rules avoid bad outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

What is the issue with single-level utilitarianism?

Not actionable. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hooker (2015) point out about the difficulty of calculations under single-level act utilitarianism?

It is difficult to calculate the utility of interactions within society. Signup and view all the answers

What does Railton (1984) argue about multi-level utilitarianism?

There can be a sophisticated consideration of just living one's life and utility. Signup and view all the answers

What does Crisp (1997) argue about the multi-level approach?

It involves heuristics, the use of act utilitarianism during conflicts, and considering the philosophy as a whole. Signup and view all the answers

What does Hare (1981) argue about the distinction for multi-level utilitarianism?

There is a distinction between the archangel and the prole. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism being more actionable? (Select all that apply)

Rule utilitarianism is not simple to apply. Signup and view all the answers

What does rule utilitarianism avoid that act does not?

Problems of injustice. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rawls (1955) argue about rule utilitarianism avoiding act's problems of injustice?

There are rules set up within the legal framework that allow people to have better lives. Signup and view all the answers

How may it be argued that rule utilitarianism is not giving justice?

Not giving justice for its own sake. Signup and view all the answers

What does Williams (1973) point out about injustice?

If nobody knows that an injustice has been done, the rules will not be undermined. Signup and view all the answers

What does Smart (1973) believe about justice under act utilitarianism?

There can be instrumental value in blaming and praising particular people. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism avoiding problems of injustice in act utilitarianism? (Select all that apply)

Both single and multi-level act utilitarianism face justice issues. Signup and view all the answers

What is the introduction to an essay on whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism?

Rule utilitarianism does not collapse into act utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the sections to an essay on whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism? (Select all that apply)

Rule utilitarianism can modify Signup and view all the answers

What is the set-up to whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism?

Rule utilitarianism justified upon grounds of promoting utility. Signup and view all the answers

What does Brandt (1992) argue about rule utilitarianism being able to modify?

There can be a rule to prevent disaster. Signup and view all the answers

What is the argument that rule utilitarianism cannot modify?

More modifications mean that this is no longer rule utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism being able to modify? (Select all that apply)

Even if the modifications do not go far enough, it saves the reduction in utility. Signup and view all the answers

How is rule utilitarianism not rule worship?

There is no ability to modify without it becoming act utilitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

What does Harsanyi (1953) argue about rule utilitarianism not being rule worship?

There is increased utility just from the presence of clear rules. Signup and view all the answers

What does Smart (1973) argue about rule worship?

Rule worship argument original. Signup and view all the answers

What does rule worship entail?

It implies that this is not utilitarianism at all. Signup and view all the answers

What does Williams (1973) call the idea that there would be more utility under rule utilitarianism?

The 'act-adequacy premiss'. Signup and view all the answers

What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism not being rule worship? (Select all that apply)

Certainty of rules can increase utility even amid worship. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Utilitarianism

Rule utilitarianism posits that actions are right if they conform to rules justified on utilitarian grounds, aiming to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.
Act utilitarianism evaluates the utility of each individual action, potentially leading to inconsistent moral judgments.

Structure of Essays

Essays discussing utilitarianism typically explore three main sections:
- Rule utilitarianism's non-collapse into act utilitarianism
- Practical applicability of rule utilitarianism
- Addressing objections to act utilitarianism through rule framework.

Challenges to Rule Utilitarianism

Rule utilitarianism must navigate challenges in creating flexible, yet stable utility-based rules which do not devolve into act utilitarianism.
Lyons argues for a ranking of moral rules based on their potential to maximize long-term utility.

Utility Maximization

Rules are designed to maximize cumulative utility over time, indicating that consistent adherence to rules can yield a better societal outcome.
Rule worship entails strict adherence to rules; however, exceptions can be predefined without necessarily collapsing into act utilitarianism.

Harsanyi emphasizes the utility derived from having a consensus-based set of rules, which collectively enhance societal wellbeing.

Mill and Moral Conformity

Urmson interprets Mill as advocating for rule utilitarianism, implying that adherence to moral rules promotes greater societal utility.

Analogies for Practical Implications

Climate change analogy illustrates that without rules, individual self-interest may lead to detrimental environmental outcomes; rules can provide a framework for cooperative behavior.

Decision-Making and Multi-Level Utilitarianism

Single-level act utilitarianism is criticized for its inapplicability in real-world situations due to the complexity of calculating utility.
Railton advocates for multi-level utilitarianism, where higher considerations of utility coexist with everyday decision-making.

Heuristics and Conflict Resolution

Crisp points out the necessity of heuristics, usage of act utilitarianism in conflicting situations, and the importance of holistic philosophical considerations.

Distinction in Perspectives

Hare presents the distinction between the 'archangel' (ideal moral agent) and the 'prole' (ordinary person), suggesting that practical utility assessments may require defaults to simpler moral rules.

Injustice and Utility

Rule utilitarianism addresses issues of injustice that may arise under act utilitarianism, as rule adherence fosters structures promoting equity.
Rawls argues that legal rules contribute to societal well-being, something single-level act utilitarianism fails to secure.

Critiques on Justice

Williams criticizes the notion of injustice being unnoticed, suggesting that awareness affects the integrity of rules.
Smart argues for the instrumental value of justice, emphasizing that blame and praise can contribute to overall utility.

Conclusions on Justice

Rule utilitarianism reduces instances of injustice compared to act utilitarianism, preserving justice claims even when faced with lower utility scenarios.

Examination of Rule Utilitarianism's Nature

Rule utilitarianism resists arguments of collapsing into act utilitarianism, maintaining its identity based on utility-maximizing rules.

Flexibility versus Rigidity

While rule modifications may seem to lead toward act utilitarianism, adhering to a framework that prioritizes utility permits adjustments without losing its identity.
Brandt suggests establishing rules to avert potential disasters illustrates the modified application of rule utilitarianism.

Rule Worship Debate

The notion of rule worship raises concerns regarding the rigidity of rules potentially negating the dynamic features of utilitarianism.
Harsanyi counters this, arguing that clear rules in themselves yield higher utility, thus preserving the essence of utilitarian aims.

Utility Maximization and Moral End

Utilitarianism traditionally aims for a maximization of utility; thus, comprehension of rules as means to an end upholds its moral framework.

Real-World Applications

The sheriff scenario illustrates nuanced decision-making; adherence to rules can preempt negative outcomes even when exceptions arise.
Climate change once again serves as a case study for rule application, emphasizing collective responsibility over individual deviations.

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Description

Explore the differences between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism in this flashcard set. Understand the arguments for why rule utilitarianism may be seen as superior, focusing on the consequences of actions in terms of pleasure and pain. This set enhances your understanding of consequentialist moral theories.