Question

Which of the following best describes actconsequentialism?

O An act is permissible if and only if it produces the most equitable distribution of goods.
O An act is permissible if and only if it conforms to a rule the general acceptance of which maximizes total individual welfare.
O An act is permissible if it determines the moral permissibility of an act solely based on the consequences of the action undertaken and nothing else.
O An act is permissible if and only if it is guided by our moral duties.

Answer 1

Act consequentialism posits that the permissibility of an action is determined solely by its consequences, aiming to maximize good or happiness with each act. It's a form of utilitarianism that assesses actions on a case-by-case basis, distinct from rule utilitarianism which follows general happiness-maximizing rules.

Step-by-step explanation:

Act consequentialism is a form of consequentialist ethical theory that suggests an act is permissible if and only if it determines the moral permissibility of an action based solely on the consequences of the action undertaken and nothing else. This means that act consequentialists assess each potential action by looking at its likely outcomes or consequences to determine whether it maximizes good or happiness. Contrary to act consequentialism, rule consequentialism argues that an act is permissible if it conforms to a rule that, if generally accepted, would maximize total individual welfare. Moreover, deontological ethics suggest that an act is permissible if it is guided by moral duties rather than consequences.

Important distinctions exist within consequentialist theory, particularly between act utilitarianism and rule utilitarianism. Act utilitarians believe that each action should be decided on a case-by-case basis, aiming to maximize good in each individual scenario. Rule utilitarians, on the other hand, emphasize establishing and following general rules that, if consistently applied, would lead to greater overall happiness.