Kant's Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is Deontological ethics?
A moral philosophy that emphasizes duties and rules.
What does Kant mean by ‘man must be disciplined’?
Humans are naturally raw and wild and need discipline.
According to Kant, what is the value of life without reason and morality?
It has no value.
What is a Categorical Imperative?
An unconditional moral obligation that must always be obeyed.
In Kant’s axeman example, what is Kant’s stance on telling the truth?
It is a duty to tell the truth regardless of circumstances.
What is Moral Absolutism?
The belief in certain universal moral principles for judging actions.
Define Hypothetical Imperative.
Conditional obligations dependent on desiring a goal.
What is the Summum Bonum?
The highest good where happiness and virtue come together.
List the three formulations to discover a Categorical Imperative.
- Universal law
- Persons as ends
- Kingdom of ends
Who was Kant?
A German philosopher born in 1724 and a key figure in the Enlightenment.
What is the significance of good will in Kant’s ethics?
It is the only truly good thing and involves doing duty for duty’s sake.
What does Kant believe about duty versus desire?
Feelings and desires must be excluded from moral decision-making.
What is the Shopkeeper example meant to illustrate?
Acts must be done from duty, not merely in accordance with duty.
What is the difference between a hypothetical and a categorical imperative?
Hypothetical: ‘If you want x, do y’; Categorical: ‘You must always do x’.
What are the three tests to determine if an imperative is hypothetical or categorical?
- Universal law
- Person as ends
- Kingdom of ends
What does the Universal Law principle entail?
An action must be universalizable without exceptions.
What is the principle of Persons as Ends?
Humans deserve respect and should not be treated merely as means to an end.
What is the Kingdom of Ends principle?
Act as if you are in a council making laws for a perfect society.
What are Kant’s three postulates?
- Free will
- Afterlife
- God exists
Why is free will important in Kant’s ethics?
It allows for moral responsibility and rational decision-making.
What role does the afterlife play in Kant’s ethical theory?
It is where perfect virtue is rewarded with perfect happiness.
Why does Kant argue for the existence of God?
To ensure the justice of the universe and the summum bonum.
What are some strengths of Kantian ethics?
- Offers fixed guidelines
- Respects individual autonomy
- Does not depend on belief in God
What are some weaknesses of Kantian ethics?
- Too rigid and narrow
- Too abstract and impractical
- Conflicting duties
