Immanuel Kant (Questions 21-26) Flashcards
- The following is the “Ends-in-themselves Formulation” of the Categorical Imperative: “So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.” Explain what Kant means here. What would it be to treat someone as a mere means? What does it mean to treat someone as an end? Give examples of both.
The Ends-in-themselves Formulation asserts that individuals, including oneself, should be treated as ends in themselves; never merely as a means to an end. Treating someone as a mere means is to exploit or manipulate them for personal gain, while treating someone as an end involves respecting their intrinsic value as rational beings.
- According to Kant, does the Categorical Imperative allow me to borrow money I do not intend to pay back? Why or why not? Carefully explain how the Categorical Imperative (ends-in-themselves formulation) would apply to this case.
Kant would argue that borrowing money with no intention to pay it back is impermissible under the Ends-in-Themselves Formulation. Exploiting someone through false promises violates the principle of treating individuals as ends in themselves.
- According to Kant, does the Categorical Imperative allow me to never help those who are in need? Why or why not? Carefully explain how the Categorical Imperative (ends-in-themselves formulation) would apply to this case.
Similar to the Universal Law Formulation, the Ends-in-themselves Formulation prohibits refusing to help those in need. Failing to aid others disregards their intrinsic value as ends in themselves, making such a maxim morally impermissible.
- Explain Kant’s distinction between price and dignity. What kinds of things have a price? What kinds of things have dignity? Why do these have dignity?
Kant distinguishes between price and dignity, stating that things with a price can be replaced or exchanged, while things with dignity, such as rational beings, have intrinsic value and cannot be merely traded. Human beings, possessing rationality, have dignity, and their worth is beyond any comparative valuation.
- Discuss one strength of the Kantian account of morality. Explain the strength. Why is that a strength?
One strength of the Kantian account is its emphasis on universal principles and the inherent dignity of individuals. By providing a clear, rational foundation for morality, it offers a framework that transcends personal or cultural biases.
- Discuss one weakness of the Kantian account of morality (or worry about the account). Explain the weakness or worry. Why is that a weakness or worry?
A weakness of the Kantian account is its potential difficulty in determining specific maxims in complex moral situations. The rigid application of universalization may oversimplify nuanced ethical dilemmas, potentially leading to impractical or counterintuitive moral judgments.
For example, if one were to make a remark that deeply offends another individual, but did not have the intention to do so and made the statement with a “good willing,” the ramifactions of their remarks could be severe.
