Other Types Of Utilitarianism

Question 1

Outline Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 1

• Seeks to formulate rules which will, in turn, generate the greatest happiness
• Does not consider individual circumstances in regards to decision-making
• Deals with minority persecution

Question 2

Outline JJC Smart’s criticism of Rule Utilitarianism

Answer 2

Rule U risks collapsing back into Act U. This is because, rules would be set which are flexible enough to allow exceptions. These exceptions will be exploited and eventually the exception becomes the rule. Context needs to be valued.

Question 3

Outline Preference Utilitarianism

Answer 3

• Actions should be judged by the preferences of the agent and those involved
• Ideas of “pleasure” and “pain” can vary, therefore we should value preferences
• “MORALLY GOOD” : an act which satisfies preferences of all involved and does not prevent other’s pursuit of happiness