Kant Vs Bentham

Question 1

Kant’s 2 ideas

Answer 1

Goodwill and duty

The categorical imperative

Question 2

The categorical imperative 3 parts

Answer 2

Ends and means
Universalisability
Laws of nature

Question 3

Ends and means

Answer 3

• A good act is one which acts in accordance with one’s telos
• We should never use people as a means to and end, but treat them as an end
• We may use them as a means but not through unwelcomed influence

Question 4

Imperative

Answer 4

A statement of what should be done

Question 5

Universalisability

Answer 5

Categorical imperative:

• Logically precedes experience or helps us to make sense of it
• Certain actions are logically inconsistent and would make no sense as universal laws

e.g. lying makes no sense as a law, so ‘do not lie’ is a categorical imperative

Question 6

Laws of Nature

Answer 6

‘Act as if the maxim of your action were to become by your will a universal law of nature’

Question 7

Types of theory comparison

Answer 7

Kant:
- Absolutist, deontological
Bentham:
- Relativist, teleological

Question 8

Key idea comparison

Answer 8

Kant: 
- Categorial imperative 
- Any moral maxim that is permissible, is always so
Bentham: 
- Hedonic calculus
- Each situation needs to be examined

Question 9

On people comparison

Answer 9

Kant:
- Must not be used as a means to and end
Bentham:
- Can be used as a means to and end

Question 10

Focus comparison

Answer 10

Kant: 
- The only thing good is goodwill itself
- Happiness should not be used to make decisions
Bentham: 
- Focuses on happiness