Kantian Ethics

Question 1

What is the Summum Bonum?

Answer 1

The highest good

When the desire to perform one’s duty is accompanied by happiness

Happiness is not the main aim, virtue is, but it’s a bonus

Question 2

What are the 3 postulates?

Answer 2

1. Human beings have free will
2. The immortality of the soul
3. The existence of God

Question 3

What is the categorical imperative?

Answer 3

People should not be treated as meant to an end, but as means in themselves

Question 4

Is kantian ethics teleological or deontological?

Answer 4

Deontological

Question 5

What does deontological mean?

Answer 5

The moral worth of an act is based on the act itself, irrespective of the circumstances

Question 6

What is Phillipa Foot’s criticism of kantian ethics?

Answer 6

The person as end criticism.

We can’t help but treat people as means to an end e.g. we use a shopkeeper as a means to an end when buying things

Question 7

What is a maxim?

Answer 7

A general principle or rule

Question 8

How do we test to see if a maxim is a categorical imperative? (3 formulations)

Answer 8

1. Formula or universalisability
2. Formula of people as ends in themselves
3. Formula of Kingdom of ends

Question 9

What are 3 major criticisms?

Answer 9

1. Insists moral worth of and action is based on only the motive however takes into account the effects it would have if universalised.
2. Assumes that we can never have conflicting duties however can not provide an answer for what our duty is in some situations
3. Kants categorical imperatives are too strong of a claim and are too rigid

Question 10

What is Kant influenced by?

Answer 10

Kant is influenced by enlightenment thinking