Final answer:
Rule utilitarianism evaluates moral values by applying the 'greatest happiness principle' to the formulation of rules, rather than individual acts, which if followed would lead to the greatest happiness for the most people.
Step-by-step explanation:
In contrast to act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism argues that to evaluate moral values, we should apply the greatest happiness principle not to individual acts but instead to the creation of moral rules. Rule utilitarianism seeks to determine what rules, if adopted universally, would lead to the greatest overall happiness.
This differs from act utilitarianism, which focuses on the consequences of individual actions in specific situations.
Rule utilitarians believe in using the greatest happiness principle to test potential moral rules for their ability to produce happiness if followed consistently. Over time, rules can be evaluated and modified based on their success in maximizing happiness.
This approach aims to avoid problems associated with making moral judgments based on isolated acts and provides a more systematic method for determining what is right or good.