It seems natural to conclude that for many people, although the rules aren’t the point of morality, they are certainly one of the points and stand independently of another point, which are the consequences.
I agree with you there. But even though people seem to care about both rules and consequences, as separate categories in their mental conceptions of morality, it does seem as if the rules have a recurring pattern of bringing about or preventing certain particular consequences. Our evolved instincts make us prone to following certain rules, and they make us prone to desiring certain outcomes. Many of us think the rules should trump the desired outcomes—but the rules themselves line up with desired outcomes most of the time. Moral dilemmas are just descriptions of those rare situations when following the rule won’t lead to the desired outcome.
I agree with you there. But even though people seem to care about both rules and consequences, as separate categories in their mental conceptions of morality, it does seem as if the rules have a recurring pattern of bringing about or preventing certain particular consequences. Our evolved instincts make us prone to following certain rules, and they make us prone to desiring certain outcomes. Many of us think the rules should trump the desired outcomes—but the rules themselves line up with desired outcomes most of the time. Moral dilemmas are just descriptions of those rare situations when following the rule won’t lead to the desired outcome.