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)
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?
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What do rules maximize in the longer term?
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What do exceptions towards rules not necessarily mean?
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What does Harsanyi (1953) argue about rules?
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What does Urmson (1953) believe about Mill?
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What is the analogy for people being better off with rules?
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What is the issue with single-level utilitarianism?
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What does Hooker (2015) point out about the difficulty of calculations under single-level act utilitarianism?
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What does Railton (1984) argue about multi-level utilitarianism?
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What does Crisp (1997) argue about the multi-level approach?
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What does Hare (1981) argue about the distinction for multi-level utilitarianism?
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What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism being more actionable? (Select all that apply)
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What does rule utilitarianism avoid that act does not?
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What does Rawls (1955) argue about rule utilitarianism avoiding act's problems of injustice?
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How may it be argued that rule utilitarianism is not giving justice?
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What does Williams (1973) point out about injustice?
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What does Smart (1973) believe about justice under act utilitarianism?
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What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism avoiding problems of injustice in act utilitarianism? (Select all that apply)
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What is the introduction to an essay on whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism?
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What are the sections to an essay on whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism? (Select all that apply)
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What is the set-up to whether rule utilitarianism collapses into act utilitarianism?
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What does Brandt (1992) argue about rule utilitarianism being able to modify?
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What is the argument that rule utilitarianism cannot modify?
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What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism being able to modify? (Select all that apply)
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How is rule utilitarianism not rule worship?
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What does Harsanyi (1953) argue about rule utilitarianism not being rule worship?
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What does Smart (1973) argue about rule worship?
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What does rule worship entail?
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What does Williams (1973) call the idea that there would be more utility under rule utilitarianism?
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What are the overall conclusions to rule utilitarianism not being rule worship? (Select all that apply)
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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.
Contractualism and Consent
- 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.