Explain the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism?

1. Explain the difference between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism? (Chp.1)

Act utilitarianism is the concept that the right course of action is the one which results in the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people. In act utilitarianism, an individual action is evaluated for all possible consequences of that action. The benefits and damages to all affected people are compared. An action is deemed right if there are more benefits and wrong if there are more negative consequences.

Rule utilitarianism is the concept that applies utilitarianism to a rule of conduct. If following a rule results in more beneficial consequences then that rule can be generally considered right. 

The major difference between the two ethical theories is that act utilitarianism measures the consequences of a single act, while rule utilitarianism measures the consequences of an act as a rule that would be followed anytime a similar situation would apply.

An example would be Robin Hood’s policy of stealing from the Rich and giving to the Poor. Under act utilitarianism, Robin Hood’s action results in a loss of utility among the smaller population (the Rich), but a greater gain of utility among a larger population (the Poor) which would make the act morally right. The same action applied as a rule however, would be construed as having a greater amount of negative utility (as a rule theft of property is considered morally wrong). 

Wikipedia (4/12/2011). Act utilitarianism [online]. [Accessed 4/17/2011]. Available from: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_utilitarianism>. 

Wikipedia (3/18/2011). Act utilitarianism [online]. [Accessed 4/17/2011]. Available from: <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_utilitarianism>. 

Baase, S. (2008). A Gift of Fire: Social, Legal, and Ethical Issues for Computing and the Internet. 3rd. ed. New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall.