sääntöutilitarismi

Sääntöutilitarismi is a normative ethical theory that combines elements of utilitarianism and deontological ethics. It was developed by John Rawls, an American philosopher, in his influential work "A Theory of Justice." The theory aims to balance the principles of justice and the greatest good for the greatest number, as advocated by utilitarianism, with the idea of moral rules that apply to all individuals, as proposed by deontological ethics.

At the core of sääntöutilitarismi is the concept of the "veil of ignorance." This is a hypothetical situation in which individuals must choose principles of justice without knowing their own position in society or any particular facts about themselves. This approach ensures that the principles of justice are fair and impartial, as they are chosen without the bias of self-interest.

The principles of justice chosen under the veil of ignorance are then used to create a set of moral rules that apply to all individuals. These rules are designed to maximize the overall well-being of society, while also ensuring that each individual has a fair chance to succeed and contribute to the common good.

Sääntöutilitarismi has been influential in the fields of political philosophy and social justice. It has been used to argue for a range of policies, including affirmative action, social welfare programs, and progressive taxation. However, it has also been criticized for being too abstract and for failing to provide clear guidelines for decision-making in specific cases. Despite these criticisms, sääntöutilitarismi remains an important and influential ethical theory.