Kant Flashcards
(33 cards)
What is the only thing Kant regards as good without qualification?
A good will.
Why can we never have absolute certainty?
All our sense perceptions can be mistaken.
Why one could never argue logically from an ‘is’ to an ‘ought’?
Facts can only show what is the case, and not what ought to be the case.
What is a sense of moral obligation?
To believe there is something we ought to do, irrespective of the consequences it may have for us.
What is an advantage of moral obligation?
Once these principles are established, they might be applied universally, since they do not depend on particular circumstances.
Why is his theory deontological?
Establishes the rules and principles by which this sense of duty can conform to human reason.
When are you not acting morally?
If you do what you enjoy, or what gives you some personal
benefit.
What is a moral action based on?
Pure practical reason, following rational principles.
True or False
The existence of this categorical ‘ought’ does not mean that we should do ‘duty for duty’s sake whatever the consequences’.
True
Why is Kant’s ethic is not ‘absolutely’ deontological?
He doesn’t ignore the consequences of our actions.
What can the outcome tell us about an act?
Whether the principle you want to act on conforms to
the Categorical Imperative.
What is the Categorical Imperative?
A rational, reflective principle which leads us to universal maxims that everybody ought to follow.
What is universalisability?
Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
What is the Principle Imperative?
Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end.
How do the first and second formulations link?
If you can will that the principle upon which you act should become a universal principle of law, then you must be prepared for everyone else to make the same moral choice.
What does the Kingdom of Ends mean?
You should always act as though you were responsible for making rules in a kingdom where everyone is to be treated as an ‘end’ not a means.
How does Kant respond to the challenge ‘radical evil’ against the Categorical Imperative?
Humanity has a universal tendency towards radical evil.
Radical evil happens when people focus on a maxim of self-interest, which leads them to bend every other maxim to that one maxim.
Why did Kant have no respect for those who appeared to achieve happiness without regard to the morality of their means of doing so?
One should not strive to be happy, but worthy of happiness.
What are the 3 ‘postulates of practical reason’?
God, freedom and immortality.
How could you criticise the claim that ‘the Categorical Imperative and universalisability is simple and effective’?
If we look at the state of the world, it is obvious that there are no agreed universal moral rules, so the idea of a Categorical Imperative is Kant’s wishful thinking.
What problem with Bentham’s utilitarianism does Kant highlight?
Emphasis on consequences means that a utilitarian is justified in doing a bad act to bring about good consequences.
Why does the claim that ‘Kant’s theory cuts out emotion in favour of reason’ make the theory unrealistic?
It is impossible for humans to ignore their emotions because emotions are part of what it means to be human.
How could you criticise the claim that ‘Kant’s theory is influential today because the modern emphasis on
human rights, equality and justice stems from him’?
Kant’s emphasis is completely anthropocentric, so humans alone have intrinsic value.
This justifies animal cruelty.
Why can it be argued that Kant’s theory is not secular?
Kant’s three postulates of practical reason include two that are religious - God and immortality.
