Act utilitarianism from "summary" of Utilitarianism and On Liberty by John Stuart Mill
Act utilitarianism is a moral theory that evaluates the rightness or wrongness of an action based on the consequences of that particular action. According to this theory, the moral worth of an action is determined by its utility in maximizing overall happiness or pleasure and minimizing overall pain or suffering. In other words, an action is considered right if it produces the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people affected by that action. This approach differs from other moral theories that focus on rules, duties, or intentions. Instead of adhering to strict rules or moral principles, act utilitarianism emphasizes the flexibility and adaptability of moral decision-making. This means that the morality of an action is not determined by its conformity to a set of pre-established rules, but rather by its ability to maximize utility in a particular situation. Act utilitarianism requires individuals to consider the specific circumstances of each situation and to weigh the potential conse...
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