Kant: The Categorical Imperative Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Kant: The Categorical Imperative Deck (10)
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1
Q
  • Our will is not always “pure.”
  • Other determining principle of actions = inclinations or desires.
  • Good will is good without qualification.
  • Happiness is not the highest good.
    • Being worthy of being happy is better than being happy.
A

The good will.

2
Q

The good will is also known as…

A

Rational will.

3
Q

To have a good will means to act from the motive of ___.

A

Duty.

4
Q

Hypothetical imperatives (conditional obligations).

A

Say what we ought to be done to achieve some desired end or goal: “if you want goal y, you should do x.”

5
Q

Categorical imperatives (unconditional obligations).

A

Say what ought to be done as obligatory in itself, regardless of ends/goals that we may or may not have.

6
Q
  • You do not necessity oblige everyone. you only ought to do x if you want, and if you don’t, it doesn’t apply to you.
  • Action good only as means to something else.
  • Imperatives of skill and prudence.
A

Hypothetical imperatives (conditional obligations).

7
Q
  • These oblige everyone; you must do x, regardless if your goals.
  • Action good in itself.
  • Must be based on reason.
A

Categorical imperatives (unconditional obligations).

8
Q

The Good Will

A

A disposition to guide our actions according to moral obligations, even against desires, interests, intending to do what the moral law says, even if it doesn’t work out as planned — it’s not because of what it accomplishes that the good will is good.

9
Q

What is the main difference between utilitarianism and Kantian ethics?

A

What makes actions right or wrong is the motivation behind them.

10
Q

Maxim

A

The principle or rule you are following when you intend to do an action — that which truly describes your intention and your reason for it, and is formulated as a rule.