Additionally, it can be challenging to determine what constitutes the greatest good for the greatest number of people. It can also be difficult to predict the consequences of an action, which can lead to unintended negative outcomes. However, the disadvantage of act utilitarianism is that it can lead to moral relativism, as there is no fixed set of rules to follow. It also prioritizes the well-being of individuals over rigid rules, which can be beneficial in certain circumstances. It recognizes that situations can be complex and that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. The advantage of act utilitarianism is that it allows for flexibility and adaptability in decision-making.
This means that every time we are faced with a decision, we must weigh the potential outcomes and choose the one that will lead to the greatest good.
In other words, it asks us to consider the specific situation at hand and determine what action will lead to the greatest amount of happiness or pleasure for the people involved. Act utilitarianism is the belief that the morality of an action should be judged by its individual consequences.