Rule-consequentialism's Essence and Rationale

Hooker, B. (2026) Rule-consequentialism's Essence and Rationale. In: Copp, D., Rosati, C. and Rulli, T. (eds.) The Oxford Handbook of Normative Ethics. Oxford Handbooks. Oxford University Press, Oxford. ISBN 9780197510896 (In Press)

Abstract/Summary

This paper starts by explaining what rule-consequentialism holds. Then the paper identifies how rule-consequentialism differs from other consequentialist theories. Further clarification of rule-consequentialism is achieved by considering objections to this theory, such as objections concerning collapse, rule-worship, incoherence, and utopianism (excessive idealization). The final section considers arguments for rule-consequentialism, including arguments drawing on the divine command theory, consequentialism, contractualism, the search for reflective equilibrium, and the idea that morality is a social practice with a consequentialist purpose.

Item Type	Book or Report Section
URI	https://centaur.reading.ac.uk/id/eprint/127738
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Arts, Humanities and Social Science > School of Humanities > Philosophy
Publisher	Oxford University Press
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