RS (Ethics)

Question 1

Kantian ethics- embryo research?

Answer 1

Haven’t developed ability to reason and have rational thought but still potential persons so still should be protected
First categorical imperative (act according to maxims that you can universalise)
If you universalise exprimenting on embryos no humans would survive so its impossible (has to be universal)
However you could universalise a maxim like using spare embryos from IVF for research> put it in the second formulation it’s treating people as a means to an end- however it depends whether you view a potential person ax a life
2nd forumation- moral code must treat humans with respect (highest point in gods creation)

Question 2

Quote by kanthan Mark Sagoff for embryo research being okay?

Answer 2

No specific point at which ‘a glob of cytoplasm is now sufficiently endowed with moral freedom that is has become a human being’

Question 3

Kantian response to saviour siblings?

Answer 3

Max Matthews-creTed with the attempt to give a tissue transplant to his sister
Bad- max is being treated as a means to an end
Good- duty (goodwill as only motive) to preserve life (natural law)
Conflict of duties like this- always has to fit universability first- if it couldn’t be applied in all cases it couldn’t be a rule
Univeraalilsation- logically possible for everyone to act like this?no exceptions

Question 4

With issues in genetic engineering like saviour siblings what does Kant warn against?

Answer 4

Emotion - too subjective when humans try and make a moral judgment (clouds it)

Question 5

Kantian ethics on selective breeding?

Answer 5

Kantian ethics wouldn’t have a problem with selective breeding of cloning animals as it isn’t harmful to humans
Help - increase yields of milk- DUTY

Question 6

Kant was a …?

Answer 6

Deontologist- so doesn’t consider under the consequences only the intent of the action ( has to be duty and goodwill)

Question 7

Kaaba doesn’t consider the..?

Answer 7

Benefits or consequences of an action so wouldn’t believe an action could be morally justified just because results are good if intent isn’t

Question 8

Categorical imperitive- kingdom of ends

Answer 8

Society made up of people - entitled to be treated as ends and not means

Question 9

Kants duty?

Answer 9

Goodwill towards others+ duty =moral action
Duty involves freely choosing the action
Anthingelse like emotion invalidates it

Question 10

Why is the categorical imperitive better than the hypothetical imperitive?

Answer 10

Hypothetical: ‘if i do this.. Then this will happen’
Useless because there is no obligation to do the action unless you want the outcome
Not connected to morals but your desired outcome> can’t be universal
Categorical- ‘you should do this’
Categorical

Question 11

Kanthan approach to genetic engineering- GM crops

Answer 11

GM crops - modified to increase yield resistance to pests
Golden Rice- genetically modified to include vitamin A/ to prevent blindness in people and help half a million who are malnourished
Kant would agree - infleunced by natural law/preservation of life (1st primary precept) GM crops do -also our duty to ourselves and others/ have goodness as our only motive-could be good
Kant would disagree- 2nd formulation of categorical imperative don’t treat people as a means to an end- multinational co-operations often exploit poor workers- wouldn’t be acceptable since it doesn’t fit all 3