Utilitarianism in 24

If nothing else, Fox Television’s 24 is an excellent example of ethical dilemmas and of Utilitarianism in action. It shows both Rule and Act Utilitarianism.

The character Jack Bauer is at most times an uncompromising Act Utilitarian. He cares nothing  for deontology and assesses each of his acts according to the greatest well-being for the greatest number, treating those acts in isolation. He is prepared to break any number of rules or regulations to satisfy this principle.

The government is at most times Rule Utilitarian in the face of terrorism, as governments must be. That is to say, they look at what precedent would set were they to crumble in the face of blackmail (to appease, as our government in the UK does) and they accordingly reject this option, even if people will die. They realise that, in the long run, such appeasement would lead to even more misery.

To say these matters are complicated is an understatement, but I generally agree with Utilitarianism as opposed to Deontology. That is to say, the outcome of an act is the most important thing. As for the principle of numbers, however, this may be called into question unless we are to assume that the life of every individual is indeed of equal value.