Rule Utilitarianism

The theory provides that we are to judge the rightness or wrongness of the act, not by its
consequences of its universalization – that is, by the consequences of the adoption of the rule by
everyone under which this act falls. Put simply – We ought to adopt moral rules which, if
followed by everyone, will lead to the greatest increase in total happiness. Only the
consequences matter, and everything else is irrelevant to rule utilitarianism.

In this case, it is okay to use the prisoners who undergoing life imprisonment sentence because
they can contribute something to the society and thousands life in the future if this research
succeed. After all they only live in the prison and wait for the death. So with this research, they
can feel better if they can help people and to repent to their sins. So if this rule is use in this case,
the consequences is more happiness than unhappiness because thousands of life can be save in
the future. This will lead people to happiness if their most beloved people can be saved from the
disease and give them hope to live. The consequences would invariably be more people living
happily in our society.