The Basics Of: Act and Rule Utilitarianism
by Utilitarianism, the doctrine of “the greatest good for the greatest number” is everywhere in modern ideology. Most notably, it’s the supposed cornerstone of political democracy. It ran into roadblocks from the beginning, however, and returns us to the age old issue of balancing dogmatic guidance with human freedom and the power of intent.
On the other hand, a Rule Utilitarian’s position on the subject is far more absolute. When asked to explain their position on a certain subject, they would generally justify it with: “As a rule…” and ‘as a rule’ while the loved ones of those who suffer serious illnesses experience sadness and grief when the relative passes away, if the illness is terminal, then that suffering is unavoidable. However, the emotional and psychological damage caused by watching the gradual decline of that loved one who is trapped in a life of suffering and fear is avoidable through an artificially induced death. Therefore a Rule Utilitarian would be pro-euthanasia in all circumstances. Once again, the flaw in this position seems to be the sacrifices made regarding the rights and liberties of the individual (the patient,) whose wishes may be compromised in favour of the majority.
The ‘Wedge Argument’ is based on the idea that once one thing is allowed, it’s a slippery slope before fundamental moral requirements are jeopardised. The fear is that Rule Utilitarianism may lead to the involuntary euthanasia of elderly patients for financial reasons or against their personal wishes, which depending on their medical condition they may be unable to express.
In general, for Utilitarianism to be effectively applied in this area of medical ethics, it would have to rely on the loved ones/those in charge of the patient’s care supporting them and corresponding with their wishes: their greatest happiness being caused by the happiness of the patient, even if that happiness is induced by putting an end to their suffering. Unfortunately however, this defies the darker aspects of human nature and so it could be argued that the Utilitarian school of thought is impossible to apply in reality.
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