Act Utilitarianism

Act Utilitarianism is a moral theory that suggests the rightness of an action is determined by its consequences. Specifically, it seeks to maximize overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. Each individual action is evaluated based on the happiness it produces, rather than following general rules. For example, if lying in a specific situation leads to more happiness than telling the truth, then lying is considered the better choice. This approach emphasizes a case-by-case analysis, prioritizing outcomes over adherence to fixed moral rules.