Kant Flashcards
(11 cards)
What is Kant deontology features
‘Deontology’ - is ANTI consequentialist
‘Deon’ - duty , hence the study of duty.
ethics is not based on an actions consequences.
Therefore acts are right or wrong within themselves
According to deontology, morality is a matter of duty.
These can be general duties, special duties, duties regarding our own actions
Its an obligation to do something/not do something
‘Deon’
‘Deon’ - duty , hence the study of duty.
ethics is not based on an actions consequences.
Therefore acts are right or wrong within themselves
Universality according to Kant
any system of ethics that isnt universal isnt a true system of ethics. Something is always either right/wrong all the time for everyone.
The will
ability to make choices
Therefore, we can make choices on the basis of reason, so that our wills are rational.
What is the difference between actions and intentions according to Kant
Actions - resultant from choices, made from reason and expressed in intention.
Types of actions are distinguished by intentions. So then people can produce the same action with different intentions.
What is a maxim
your personal principle that guides your decisions
we always act with intention, separating us from animals, and so we are separate from animals
Hence we always act with a ‘maxim’
What are Kants two principles
The categorical imperative
First and second version
What is an imperative
A command, something we ought to do
State the first version of the categorical imperative Like
- ‘Act only upon that maxim through which you can, at the same time will, that it should become a universal law’
What does the categorical imperative (first version) mean
‘Act only upon that maxim through which you can, at the same time will, that it should become a universal law’
The way to know whether your action is moral is to run it through this categorical imperative.
Kant argues; only good ‘will ‘ (way to make choices) is morally good
Its the only thing thats good ‘without qualification’. Meaning there’s nothing else to be added, like its self explanatory no exceptions.
Anything else (intelligence power or happiness) can be bad or contribute to what is bad. It can be used for good, but isnt intrinsically good in itself.
A good will is not good because it does good acts. So what makes it good?
Person might fail trying to succeed but deserve praise
Its not about the good act it produces, a good will is good because of its intrinsic nature.
A person who has the INTENT to do something good, is good in itself regardless of the actual cat/consequence.
What is a good will according to Kant
What case can explain the good will according to him
To act in accordance with duty (deontology) is not yet to be motivated by duty/to act out of duty.
Therefore we should follow the categorical imperative
The case of the honest shopkeeper
