What is the Difference Between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism?

The main difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism lies in their approach to evaluating the moral correctness of actions. Both theories aim to maximize utility, but they differ in how they apply the principle of utility:

• Act Utilitarianism: This approach focuses on the consequences of a single act. Act utilitarians believe that the right action in any situation is the one that yields the most utility, i.e., the greatest net benefits for the greatest number of people. They consider the specific act in isolation and evaluate its consequences without considering any rules or principles that may govern that act.
• Rule Utilitarianism: This approach focuses on the consequences of following a rule of conduct. Rule utilitarians believe that a specific action is morally justified if it conforms to a justified moral rule. They evaluate the moral correctness of an action based on whether it conforms to a rule that leads to the greatest good when followed consistently over time. Rule utilitarianism considers the long-term consequences of following a rule, rather than the isolated consequences of a single act.

In summary, act utilitarianism evaluates the moral correctness of actions based on the consequences of each individual act, while rule utilitarianism evaluates the moral correctness of actions based on the consequences of following a rule consistently over time.

Comparative Table: Act Utilitarianism vs Rule Utilitarianism

Here is a table comparing the differences between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism:

In summary, Act Utilitarianism focuses on the consequences of individual actions, while Rule Utilitarianism prioritizes good general rules and evaluates the rightness of an action based on whether it conforms to a rule that leads to the greatest good.