Final answer:
Act utilitarianism, which promotes actions that maximize overall happiness, can be compatible with religion if the religious framework similarly values individual and community well-being. The compatibility is subject to the particular religion's doctrine and its emphasis on the implications of actions on happiness and well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
Act utilitarianism is a moral viewpoint that proposes that people should apply the 'greatest happiness principle' on a case-by-case basis to maximize overall good. This perspective can be compatible with religion in various ways, provided that the religious framework values the well-being and happiness of individuals and communities. Many religions advocate for actions that promote peace, well-being, and caring for others, qualities that can align with the goal of maximizing happiness as act utilitarianism suggests.
Moreover, in applied ethics, which focuses on the application of moral norms to specific actions, one can find a space where religious moral imperatives and utilitarian calculations intersect. For example, some religious doctrines emphasize the importance of considering the consequences of one's actions, which resonates with act utilitarianism's focus on the outcomes in terms of happiness and well-being.
However, it is essential to note that act utilitarianism could diverge from religious moral standards in certain scenarios where the pursuit of the greatest happiness seems to contradict traditional religious doctrines. The compatibility between act utilitarianism and religion often depends on the specific religious context and its alignment with the overall aim of promoting happiness.