Final answer:
Mortimer helping his neighbor find her lost dog because of the happiness it brings her represents rule utilitarianism, as this action aligns with a rule that would increase overall happiness if generally adopted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rule utilitarianism is a form of utilitarianism that focuses on general rules that everyone should follow to bring about the greatest good for the most people. It is distinct from act utilitarianism, which applies the greatest happiness principle to individual actions rather than rules. In rule utilitarianism, we consider the long-term consequences of everyone following a particular rule; if the net happiness is increased by following this rule, it is considered the correct course of action. This approach to ethics takes into account the overall happiness of the community or society, rather than individual instances of decision-making.
Based on the given scenarios, the one that represents rule utilitarianism most clearly is:
c.) Mortimer helps his neighbor find her lost dog because he knows how happy the dog makes her.
This scenario reflects rule utilitarianism because Mortimer's action aligns with a rule that could be universally applied—helping others in distress because doing so tends to increase overall happiness. This approach contrasts with actions that are driven by personal gain (like in option a), personal preferences (as in option d), or actions that avoid negative consequences (in option b).