Variable versus fixed-rate rule-utilitarianism

Philosophical Quarterly 58 (231):344–352 (2008)
  Copy   BIBTEX

Abstract

Fixed-rate versions of rule-consequentialism and rule-utilitarianism evaluate rules in terms of the expected net value of one particular level of social acceptance, but one far enough below 100% social acceptance to make salient the complexities created by partial compliance. Variable-rate versions of rule-consequentialism and rule-utilitarianism instead evaluate rules in terms of their expected net value at all different levels of social acceptance. Brad Hooker has advocated a fixed-rate version. Michael Ridge has argued that the variable-rate version is better. The debate continues here. Of particular interest is the difference between the implications of Hooker's and Ridge's rules about doing good for others.

Similar books and articles

Introducing Variable-Rate Rule-Utilitarianism.Michael Ridge - 2006 - Philosophical Quarterly 56 (223):242 - 253.
Climb every mountain?Michael Ridge - 2009 - Ratio 22 (1):59-77.
Conflicts of Rules in Hooker’s Rule-Consequentialism.Ben Eggleston - 2007 - Canadian Journal of Philosophy 37 (3):329-349.

Analytics

Added to PP
2009-01-28

Downloads
730 (#19,912)

6 months
110 (#29,790)

Historical graph of downloads
How can I increase my downloads?

Author Profiles

Guy Fletcher
University of Edinburgh
Brad Hooker
University of Reading

Citations of this work

Rule Consequentialism and the Problem of Partial Acceptance.Kevin Tobia - 2013 - Ethical Theory and Moral Practice 16 (3):643-652.
Moral Education and Rule Consequentialism.Dale E. Miller - 2021 - Philosophical Quarterly 71 (1):120-140.
How should utilitarians think about the future?Tim Mulgan - 2017 - Canadian Journal of Philosophy 47 (2-3):290-312.

View all 13 citations / Add more citations

References found in this work

Introducing Variable-Rate Rule-Utilitarianism.Michael Ridge - 2006 - Philosophical Quarterly 56 (223):242 - 253.
Reply to Arneson and McIntyre.Brad Hooker - 2005 - Philosophical Issues 15 (1):264–281.

Add more references