Unit 2 Flashcards
(41 cards)
Kant’s two moral/ Categorical imperatives?
objective is universal
I should act in a way that I would want everyone else in the world to act
Always treat others the way you would want to be treated
Treat others never simply as a means but also an end
People should never be treated only as a means (w/out regard to their dignity or their working condition)
Never use people just to get what you want
How is Kant’s “kingdom” a utopia?
It is his idea of a perfect world
Treat others as a end not a means
Act other of their rational will
No one would act on any principle that could not be made universal
Why according to Kant’s, is it wrong to make a false promise under any circumstance?
It fails to respect other
By lying: A) we deny the other person autonomy (the freedom to make an informed decision on the basis of good will)
B) we use the other as a means to achieve our end, or purpose of the person being lied to
Very black and white ie. of Anne Frank (Nazi)
It is not kind or respectful and we should not use it for selfish reasons
Explain Kant’s distinction between theoretical reason and practical reason.
Theoretical
Come to know the laws of nature and the cause and effect govern human behavior
Ex. We know the effect of alcohol consumption on the body
Areas of life where freedom of choice is not an issue
We can only know what people actually do
Practical
Moral dimension guiding human behavior
We know that we ought not to drink and drive
Humans act both on impulse as affected
What is the supreme good and how do the three practical principles enable humans to achieve it?
God
Humans can not get SG on their own
Kant says that the existence of God allows us to achieve it
Freedom
If SG is to be our achievement, then we ought to do what we can do
(to have the duty to do something, we must to be able to do it)
Kant says that humans are by nature free
Immortality
Impossible to gain SG fully in this life
Achieve the SG in the beyond
Define good will, according to Kant
Is the will to do our duty for no other reason that it is our duty most precious possession
Explain how Kant’s ethics is deontological
Greek work (deon) means = duty
WILL = CENTRAL
impulses > draw us away from duty
desires > draw us away from duty
WILL = FINITE
* do NOT always act according to our duty*
How does Levinas oppose traditional western notions of being?
Westernars attempt to overcome all difference and diversity by grouping everything under an ALL-ENCOMPASSING “being”. Therefore, everything carries a stamp of sameness.
Westerners think out of a unified TOTALITY (away from difference)
DIFFERENCE is reduced to being accidental
→ accidental = not essential b/c it changes in every ind
What impact did the Holocaust have on Levinas’ ethics?
Heightened his awareness of his Jewish root
Searched for Jewish teacher: Mordechai Chouchani
Become instructed in ways of Jewish Talmud = began to lecture on the subject
How does Levinas understand the Good?
Good is beyond ‘being’/interested not in what is in common things BUT in what is unique about each per on/thg
UNIQUE THINGS/ PERSON = TRACES OF THE GOOD (GOD)
Explain the connection between the human face and the Good
The eyes are windows to your soul- in the eyes you have immediate, direct contact w/ the other.
Here, you see their uniqueness which requires absolute respect.
Therefore, good = responsibility for the other
Explain the authority of the face, “the other”.
The face is an authority “HIGHNESS, HOLINESS, DIVINITY”. In the look, the other is not my equal but my superior. The superiority of the face comes from the other stranger - at this point, the face becomes ethical. (it is like a please I need you).
How does one become happy according to Aristotle?
If and only if, over a long period of time one often performs (w/ some success) the most perfect of typically human things.
How does Aristotle understand the good?
Good permits human beings to reach our potential - what is our internal compass * what we are intended to be*
How does Aristotle connect reason, ethical behavior, happiness and good character?
To act ethically, is to engage our capacity to reason as we develop good character (that is the highest form of happiness)
How does Aristotle connect habits and virtues? How do you think he would relate vices to habits?
When people seek to become who they are intended to be, they develop habits that represent the best of what it means to be human.
These excellences = virtues
Therefore, to act virtuous: a) to do things well
b) to act successfully as a human being (allowing reason to guide one’s actions)
Explain the relevance of the following quote from Hamlet: “Assume the virtue, even if you have it not, For use almost can change the stamp of nature.”
Our ability to perform proper functions (actions) is in no way enhanced by knowing them. Since the virtues are characteristic (fixed capacities for actions, acquired by habit) merely knowing what is good and healthy does not - by itself - usually lead to doing what is good and healthy - as most of us realize. Happiness requires action.
Explain Aristotle’s doctrine of the mean
Be moderate in all things
Generally speaking, what is the main concern of ethics?
Ethics is about the “goodness” in human life.
Differentiate the responses of Aristotle, Kant, Levinas and religious people to the questions, “How and when does human life reflect what is good?” and “How do we aim at the good life”?
Aristotle = reflect on the aim of human life
Kant = reflect on the obligation derived from respect for the law
Levinas = responsibility to the Other, obedience to the will of God
Each have different perspectives on the search for the good
Others meanings of good/evil
Right/wrong
How societies and cultures answer “what is good”
Through whom did Aristotle come to the attention of the Catholic Church?
Thomas Aquinas (AD 1225-74) through Arab scholars.
role does politics play in Aristotle’s ethics?
Aristotle is concerned with the POLIS (Greek city state), not the individual. Human life is shaped to its full extent in the context of community.
What does Aristotle identify as that to which all human beings aspire?
To find happiness.
How does Aristotle define happiness?
The condition of the good person who succeeds in living well and acting well.
