Final answer:
Act Utilitarianism's focus on the consequences of individual actions to maximize happiness can justify acts typically condemned by religious morality, highlighting its incompatibility with religion, which may hold moral codes as absolute.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compatibility of Act Utilitarianism with Religion
Act Utilitarianism, which espouses the principle that the morality of an action is determined by how much it contributes to overall happiness or utility, can clash with religious teachings. Religions often have moral codes that are considered absolute, regardless of the consequences that following such codes may have on overall happiness. For example, many religions have strict injunctions against killing or bearing false witness, which Act Utilitarianism may justify in certain scenarios to maximize happiness. This fundamental difference in moral reasoning shows the incompatibility because religious morality is typically not solely based on the consequences of actions but on divine command or inherent moral rules.
Furthermore, Act Utilitarianism's approach is highly situational, applying the greatest happiness principle on a case-by-case basis. This variability can conflict with the religious perspective, where moral laws are generally applied universally, regardless of varying circumstances. This also includes scenarios where acts that promote happiness in the short term compromise long-term trust and security, which most religions place high value on, as seen in the examples of vigilantism or unjust judicial decisions leading to potential social chaos.
In summary, Act Utilitarianism is consequentialist in nature and bases moral judgement solely on the outcome of actions, which can sometimes justify acts typically condemned by religious moral standards. Rule Utilitarianism, on the other hand, respects established rules that aim at maximizing overall happiness, which can align more closely with religious codes that similarly endorse following certain rules considered inherently right.
Religious beliefs are often influenced by historical philosophical discussions regarding morality and its justifications, such as those by Hume, who argued that morality is derived from sentiments rather than factual statements. Different religions and cultural beliefs also introduce a diverse range of moral perspectives, complicating the notion of a uniform measure of human happiness essential to utilitarian calculations.