KANTIAN ETHICS

Question 1

intro

Answer 1

Intro:
* Kantian ethics – deontological theory, suggests we have to do our duty as our only moral requirement.
* Bad because it completely dismisses consequences, some duties can conflict, and it is too absolute.

Question 2

p1

Answer 2

P1
P – Completely ignores consequences
A – Axe murderer example – telling the truth leads to death of innocent
C – Kant → consequences can’t be calculated, we can’t predict future.
E – Consequences do have impact on people’s lives and is the “outcome we are left with” in real life. If held accountable for action, consequences must be considered

Question 3

p2

Answer 3

P2
P – Duties can conflict
A – Walking home to bring vital medicine for mother but someone is dying on the street in need of urgent help.
→ There is no way to tell helping who is better.
C – Calculating results more accurately – Kant
E – Real life = complex, without luxury of time, it’s impractical to calculate maxims slowly.

Question 4

p3

Answer 4

P3
P – Too absolute & inflexible
A – Moral laws must be applied universally without any exceptions – lying to protect innocent from harm is wrong.
C – Strictness allows consistency and fairness
E – Ignores complexity of human life and causes people to come to harmful outcomes.

Question 5

conclusion

Answer 5

restate thesis and explain why you have argues throughout the essay