kantian ethics

Question 1

kantian ethics
should always follow a set of moral rules
cant make sense without three postulates

Answer 1

deontological theory by emanuel kant - morality is grounded in duty - actions are write of wrong depending on if they follow moral laws
aim - to achive summon bonnum

Question 2

duty and goodwill

Answer 2

goodwill- important -right intention
“to do duty for dutys sake” eg givingb money to charity because its our duty - not because we feel sympathy

analogy of kant- shopkeeper decreases prices to attract more another does the same but due to fairness

Question 3

hypothetical imperative

Answer 3

an act to achieve a desired result eg if you want to be healthy you should exercise regularly
guid to actions based on desires

Question 4

categorical imperative - three formulations

Answer 4

something we have a duty to always do which applies universally can help determine right and wrong actions
eg always tell the truth-everyone should do this no matter what

1st formulation - deciding - only do it if its something everyone should do in similar situation - yes then morally acceptable
2nd formulation-never use people as a means to an end eg workers shouldnt be exploited - consider wellbeing
3rd formulation-descisions made - always respect everyone involved eg employer- consider wllbeing of employees

Question 5

three postulates

Answer 5

kantian ethics cant make sense without this- something you have to belive is true
god
afterlife
freewill

Question 6

for

Answer 6

straight forward- following your duty through rules - applies to everyone easily adaptable

Question 7

against

Answer 7

so focused on duty - disreguards outcome of situation - acting on outcome can lead to deprived actions

questionable situations - analogy former employee storm in asks where the manager is - they want to kill them - you know where they are - if follow duty and dont lie - cause death
if lie you will save a life- kant would suggest not to lie leading to murder -

idea of duty is unrealistic just beceause something is wrong in onr situation dousnt mean its wrong in all

Question 8

scholars

Answer 8

kant
john rawls

Question 9

extra reading Pojman, Discovering Right and Wrong-Chapter 8

Answer 9

p- animal liberation - critisised his view

pojman-kant beleived “we have no obligations to animals because they are not rational”- utility better- still created by god should be treated respect
- kants principle says - we have dignity because of our rationality -should not be treated as meer tools to others - animals intelligent -not rational
scenario-super galacticans came to earth + more rational than us (like how we are to animals)- they could think its okay to exploit us
contradictory- kant says all rational beings deserve respect if sg were truely moral - treat us with dignity-and not eat us

kant-

Question 10

ross’ theory

Answer 10

Conflict Between Duties Ross these duties are not absolute. Sometimes, one duty can be more important than another in a given situation. He calls this the difference between prima facie duties (duties that are important at first glance) and actual duties (the one we should follow after considering the situation). For example, if you promise to help a friend but then encounter a child in need, helping the child might become your more important duty, even though you broke your promise.
we must choose which duty to prioritise the most- reach summon bonnum

Question 11

kantian approaches to some famine problems - o’niel

Answer 11

kantian ethics can be applied to issues of famine and global poverty
kant - each person has an intrinstic worth
ke- encourge us to adress issues of hunger and pover not due to symapthy but because its our duty

Question 12

synoptic links

Answer 12

• augustine -
• situation ethics-
• utility