Kantian Ethics Flashcards
(18 cards)
What kind of ethics is Kantian ethics?
A deontological ethic - and a morally absolutist theory.
“Man must be disciplined.”
Who is Kant?
A German Philosopher born in 1724.
A key figure in the Enlightenment - believed in the importance of personal autonomy and the role of reason.
A deontologist - focused on ethical duties: “Duty for duties sake.”
What is Kant’s axe man example?
If a murderer came to your door with a dangerous weapon Kant said that it is your DUTY to tell the truth.
Because you can universalise not lying!
Name two key quotes from Kant:
- “Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law.”
- “There is nothing higher than reason.”
- “The only good thing is the good will”
- “Life without reason and morality has no value.”
What is duty for Kant?
The action that is morally required of you - it is an obligation you must obey.
What is the difference between the hypothetical and the categorical imperatives?
Hypothetic imperative = conditional obligations that are dependent upon desiring the goal in question. ‘IF’
If you want x, you should do y…
Categorical imperative = An unconditional moral obligation that we must always obey, irrespective of the situation. We can work these out using reason. ‘MUST’
You must always/ never…
What are the three formulation within the categorical imperative?
- Universal Law - We should only carry out those acts that we are able to will as a universal law for everyone to follow at all times.
- Person as Ends - Only treat people as ends in theirselves, not as the means to an end.
- Kingdom of Ends - Your actions should be a hypothetic state where people always act according to the moral rules and treat people as ends.
What is the ‘Summum Bonum’?
The highest good - for Kant, this is the place where our happiness and virtue come together.
What quote did Kant say about good will?
“Good will shines forth like a precious jewel.”
What is Kant’s shopkeeper example?
The shopkeeper can very easily treat people as a means to an end - which wouldn’t make it a good action as it is not in accordance with duty.
What quote shows the importance of universalisation (formulation 1 in cat imp).
“Live your life as though your every act were to become a universal law.”
What does Kant mean when talking about ‘postulates’?
Things that have to be assumed to be true. They provide the basis for his reasoning.
What are the three postulates?
- Free Will
- Life after death (immortality)
- God
What are the strengths of Kantian Ethics?
- Offers a clear criteria and fixed guidelines, meaning morality is clear and consistent.
- It is OBJECTIVE: avoids the influence of our emotions.
- Values and respects the value of each person.
- Lays the foundation for secular Human Rights!
- Consistent with the religious ideas about the sanctity of human life.
- Prevents the exploitation of even the weakest. (Unlike util)
- Does not depend on a belief in God (secular).
How is Kantian ethics in line with Cicero’s beliefs? (Quote)
He said that there should be “one law eternal, binding upon all people, at all times.”
What are the weaknesses of Kantian Ethics?
- Too rigid and narrow: may not work in practice…
- Too abstract and impractical, would only work in the Kingdom of Ends (a perfect world)
- Does not explain what you should do when faces with conflicting duties
What example can you give of something that should be justified, but is not universalisable?
A mother stealing food to feed her starving baby. (This is her DUTY as a mother!)
What would Fletcher or Bentham say to disagree with Kantian ethics? (Quote)
Fletcher: “The morality of an action is dependent on the circumstances.”
Bentham: “The greatest happiness of the greatest number in the measure of right and wrong.”
