Moral: Kant- 2. kant's_categorical_imperative Flashcards
(36 cards)
What is the Categorical Imperative?
Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law
This is the fundamental principle of Kant’s moral philosophy.
What is a maxim?
A personal principle guiding an action
Maxims are central to determining moral actions according to Kant.
Define morality according to Kant.
A set of rules that are the same for everyone and that apply to everyone.
What is the will?
Our ability to make choices and decisions.
Who introduced the example of a friend visiting a sick friend in the hospital?
Kant.
What does it mean to act in accordance with duty?
To act as one ought to according to moral obligations.
What is sentience?
The capacity to feel, perceive, or experience subjectively.
If you have a good will, you act __________ duty.
according to.
Who introduced the example of George the chemist?
Kant.
What is a hypothetical imperative?
A command that presupposes some further goal or desire.
How does a hypothetical imperative function?
It specifies a means to an end.
What are moral duties according to Kant?
They are not hypothetical; they are duties regardless of what you want.
What is the difference between perfect and imperfect duties?
Perfect duties allow no exceptions; imperfect duties are morally valuable but can come second to perfect duties.
What is the first test of the Categorical Imperative?
Can the maxim be universalised without a contradiction in conception?
What does ‘contradiction in conception’ mean?
Universalising the maxim leads to a logical self-contradiction.
What is an example of a maxim that leads to a contradiction in conception?
‘It’s ok to steal if I want something.’
What is the second test of the Categorical Imperative?
Can the maxim be universalised without a contradiction in will?
What does ‘contradiction in will’ mean?
It is impossible to rationally will the maxim being universalised.
What is a perfect duty?
A duty that allows no exceptions.
What is an imperfect duty?
A duty that is morally valuable but can be secondary to perfect duties.
What is the Formula of Humanity?
Act in such a way that you always treat humanity as an end, never merely as a means.
How does Kant view human dignity?
It comes from our rational will.
What happens when we fail to treat someone as an end in themselves?
We undermine that person’s ability to make a rational choice.
What is the significance of rational will in Kant’s philosophy?
It gives humans dignity and value.
