kantian ethics Flashcards
(9 cards)
what are the ideas surrounding kantian ethics
kant says the only thing that is good all the time is good will, this means having a good intention to do our duty
we base our views of right and wrong on consequences as these are not within our control. secondly we shouldnt base our decisions on what we want to do as our emotions change on a regular basis. the thing we logically work out is the right thing to do. we should do our duty as it is our duty not due to any reward.
how do we work out our duty
by establishing what type of command lies behind it. we have a maxim in mind and have to establish whether its hypothetical or categorical. our duty is to act on categorical imperatives- this is an command that is good in itself regardless of consequences.
how do we calculate the categorical imperative
the formula of law nature- is it logical for this action to be universalised
person as ends- kant believes we should treat peple as free rational beings that deserve dignity rather than a means to an end.
kingdom of ends-combination of the first two, imagine we are part of a law making group in a country where everyone always treats each others as an end. a categorical imperative is an imperative that can be permitted in such a place
what are criticisms of kant
only hypothetical imperatives give us a reason to act, if you want to get an A sudy more often- we have a clear reason to act in a certain way, kants categorical imperative only tells us to do a certain thing. theres no account of certain motives
what does kant say about good will
it is the only thing that can be intrinsically good, for other things such as courage and love there would be a circumstance in which this isnt good. however good will is ALWAYS good. this is because good will is purely the intention and desire to do the right thing. intentons and actions matter more than consequences.
what are the quotes for duty
nothing can possibly be conceived in or out of the world that can be called good without qualification except from free will.
a good will is good not because of what it effects or accomplishes, not because of its fitness to attain some intended end but good just by willing
what is the A03 for kantian ethics
universal law is useful
its rational- gives human beings the responsibility for making decision and believes the human ability to reason and work things out will help us to reach right answers
it values persons and ensures every human being is significant.
theyre secular, doesnt rely on religion
what are the 2 type of duties kant suggests
perfect- our maxim cant be universalised as a logical contradiction would occur if we did so. e.g. keeping promises, if we make a false proise we promise something but have no intention of carrying it out, this cant be universalised as the concept of promising relies on the idea that people are telling the truth. if everyone lies when making promises then the very idea is destroyed
imperfect-doesnt create a logical contradiction but they present us with a situation that no rational person could desire or will. e.g. we conceive of a world where people didnt help others in need- its not illogical in the way that a false promise is illogical but a rational person wouldnt want to live in this world
does kant rely too much on reason
kant is influenced by enlightenment, this is an intellectual philosophical movement that valued reason as the source of human knowledge. there was an emphasis on scientific knowledge, reason, political ideas of liberty and tolerance of the source of knowledge which led to a rejection of the authority of the church.
kantian ethics relies on the accurate use of human reason. he believes in the power of human beings to reason accurately and to reach to conclusions without the need of external authorities.. for kant the moral law is a product of reason. we can rationally understand the categorical imperative. he also believes we are autonomous beings in choosing to follow the moral law or not we make our free decisions.
