CHAPTER 4

Topic 4: Utilitarianism

Nominal Duration: 1.5 Hours

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this chapter, the student is expected to:
1. differentiate Act Utilitarianism from Rule Utilitarianism;
2. cite a personal experience when the theory of utilitarianism is applied; and
3. critique the theory of utilitarianism.

Each time we act, we have a goal in mind. When we say goal, it usually pertains
to the end of that certain action. End usually answers the question; what do we want to
achieve in doing such action? Sometimes, we tend to measure the rightness and
wrongness of our actions basing from its end. If the end is good, then the action is right
but if it is not, then the action is wrong. When we do this, we usually adhere to the
principle of ‘teleological ethics’. Teleology came from the Greek word ‘telos’ meaning
end or purpose thus, teleology is an ethical theory that determines the rightness or
wrongness of an action basing from our particular goal. Thus, an act is right if and only
if it, or the rule under which it falls, produces, will probably produce, or is intended to
produce, a greater good.

Consequentialism falls under teleological ethics. What makes it more specific

than the broader sense of teleology is that it focuses on the consequences or the
outcome of an act itself. It does not ponder on the intention of the agent, the nature of
the act nor the traditional moral norms. It determines the rightness and wrongness of
the act basing from the result of the act per se. If the result is good, then the act is right
if the results are bad, then the act is wrong.

It is noteworthy to consider that not all teleological theories are consequential but
all consequentialist theories are teleological. Note that not all teleological theories are
consequential because one may have the good intention of doing an action does
making it teleologically right but when one eventually does the action and the results
are bad then it is consequentially wrong. Moreover, all consequentialist theories are
teleological because the consequence/result of an act is a part but does not cover
the entire end/goal of an act.

One of the most plausible consequentialist theories is Utilitarianism. It came

from the Latin word ‘utilis’ meaning ‘useful’. De Guzman et.al. (2018) It states that what
is useful is good, and that the moral values of actions are determined by the utility of its
consequences. Arguing that the consequences of an act is what make it either moral or
immoral, it explains that those actions that bring about favourable effects are moral
while those that produce damaging results are immoral.

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Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism

Utilitarianism in general can be applied to either particular actions hence it is

called ‘Act Utilitarianism’ or it can also be applied to general rules thus being addressed
to as ‘Rule Utilitarianism’.

Act Utilitarianism - is an ethical philosophy which holds the principle that the rightness
of an act is determined by its effect in the general happiness (Moore and Bruder 2005,
285). The Act Utilitarianism believes that the utilitarian principle should be applied to
particular acts in particular situation or circumstances on a case by case basis. The
issue here would be the possible results of each particular act and those results will be
the means in order to determine the morality of an action. If the consequences led to
the attainment of the happiness of the greatest number of people, then the action is
considered to be morally acceptable.

In act utilitarianism, therefore, the principle of utility is applied directly to every

alternative act in a situation of choice. The right act is then defined as the one which
brings about the best results, or the least amount of bad results.

Rule Utilitarianism – maintains that the principle at issue should be used to test moral
rules, and then the rules can be utilized in order to decide on which moral judgment is
right or wrong under the circumstances. Therefore, Rule Utilitarianism considers the
possible results in the light of a rule (Timbreza, 1993, 31.). Hence, in rule utilitarianism,
the principle of utility can be used to decide the validity of rules of conduct (moral
standards or principles).

Difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule Utilitarianism

In order to clearly illustrate the difference between Act Utilitarianism and Rule
Utilitarianism, we can take this case: Supposing that by murdering a thief, the killer
would increase the general happiness. In his regard, act utilitarianism would say
that it is morally acceptable to murder the thief. However, a rule utilitarian, would say
that if the society considered murder as unlawful, then the general happiness would be
diminished in view of the rule of conduct. In this case, rule utilitarianism seems to be
much more Kantian than the act utilitarianism.

Teaching and Learning Activity

Activity 1

I. Cite at least three (3) personal experiences when you were able to apply the principle
of utilitarianism and explain why you said so.

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Assessment Task:
Reaction Paper
Name: _________________________ Course & Year: ______________
1. Differentiate Act Utilitarianism from Rule Utilitarianism & give examples (15 pts.)
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2. Does the end always justify the means? Explain your answer. (15 pts.)
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Learning Resources

De Guzman, Jens Micah, et al. (2018). Ethics: Principles of ethical behavior in

modern society. Philippines: MUTYA Publishing.

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