Which ethical theory is described as evaluating actions based on internal rules that promote the greatest good?

Which ethical theory is described as evaluating actions based on internal rules that promote the greatest good?

• A. Rule Utilitarianism
• B. Act Utilitarianism
• C. Deontology
• D. Virtue Ethics

Answer: (A)

Rule utilitarianism evaluates actions by looking at rules that, if generally followed, would maximize overall good. The idea is to justify and adopt rules because they tend to produce better consequences when applied across many situations, rather than judging each specific act in isolation. If a rule consistently leads to the greatest good, it’s considered morally right and we follow it. This contrasts with act utilitarianism, which weighs the consequences of each individual act without regard to general rules. Deontology focuses on duties and universal moral laws regardless of outcomes, while virtue ethics centers on developing good character traits rather than following rules or calculating consequences.

Rule utilitarianism evaluates actions by looking at rules that, if generally followed, would maximize overall good. The idea is to justify and adopt rules because they tend to produce better consequences when applied across many situations, rather than judging each specific act in isolation. If a rule consistently leads to the greatest good, it’s considered morally right and we follow it. This contrasts with act utilitarianism, which weighs the consequences of each individual act without regard to general rules. Deontology focuses on duties and universal moral laws regardless of outcomes, while virtue ethics centers on developing good character traits rather than following rules or calculating consequences.