---
title: "Rule Utilitarianism: Definition & Ethics | Model Diplomat"
description: "Rule utilitarianism evaluates actions based on rules that enhance overall well-being, making it crucial for ethical decision-making in policy and governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/rule-utilitarianism"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Rule utilitarianism is the ethical theory holding that an act is right if it conforms to a rule whose general adoption maximizes overall well-being.
- How does rule utilitarianism differ from act utilitarianism?
- What is the 'collapse objection' to rule utilitarianism?
- Why is rule utilitarianism relevant to public administration and civil services?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Rule utilitarianism is the ethical theory holding that an act is right if it conforms to a rule whose general adoption maximizes overall well-being.

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In 2000, philosopher Brad Hooker defended rule utilitarianism in "Ideal Code, Real World," arguing the right moral code is the set of rules whose internalisation by society's new generation would maximise expected well-being.

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