Act and Rule Utilitariansim
Distinctions of Act and Rule Utilitarianism and Deontology. ... The right act is always the one that produces the greatest amount of happiness overall. ... The principles of act and rule utilitarianism are a reformulation of the original principle to help diffuse this conflict. ... Rule utilitarianism maintains that a rule or moral code has already been established and is to be applied by all individuals for the greater good. The Ten Commandments are examples rule utilitarianism. ... As a general rule it would not be wise to permit murder, adultery, theft, etc…. ... Act utilitarianism differs from deontology in that its emphasis is on consequences rather intent. It also differs from rule utilitarianism in that it only applies to one specific act rather than creating a general rule for all to follow. It is only the consequences of a particular action that counts in deciding whether the act is right. ... Extenuating circumstances sometimes requires the rule to be broken. Capital punishment is an example of an act (murder) that has been reevaluated (against the general rule forbidding it) in order for the greater good to benefit.