2.2A- Kantian Ethics

Question 1

Definition of Kantian Ethics

Answer 1

the notion of a “categorical imperative,” which is a universal ethical principle stating that one should always respect the humanity in others, and that one should only act in accordance with rules that could hold for everyone.

Question 2

How did Kant believe knowledge was known?

Answer 2

Kant believed that moral knowledge was known through reason, not experience or emotion.

Question 3

Kant and maxims

Answer 3

The moral law is something we must categorically follow. It is not something that can be thought of as hypothetical because morals, for Kant, are universal maxims – fixed rules that must always apply. Moral laws must treat people as human beings with their own interests, not just to be used for the interests of others, and they must act if the world is a place where people made and followed universal rules.

Question 4

Good people and Kantian Ethics

Answer 4

For Kant, good people always follow the moral law. They do this because they have a good will and do their duty. This is the good life. The moral life might be a good life, but sometimes, though we do the right thing bad things happen to us. However, in the ultimate end, possibly beyond this world, we will experience the good life.