[25] Moral : Kantian Flashcards
intro + stance
unconvincing
K’s theory relies on the intrinsic reason giving of moral rules
argues that the binding force is innate and universal
on the other hand Foot provides a ^ logically coherent explanation as to why this force (due to conditioning in our childhood & human history ) -> seems binding but it is ><
[ Foot ] : morality is >< a system of categorical imperatives
binding force of morality
we think it is binding due to our habituations
taught ^ stringently than other rule systems
just because we have always had a general MORALITY
could be because of evolution
we have love + compassion
etiquette is similar to morality - just something you do
DEF : Kantian deont
actions have intrinsic worth in and of themselves
value of morality = acting out of duty
act centred
seek to universalise maxims through the catgorical imperatives
DEF : categorical imperative
moral injunction telling someone what they ought to do
DEF : hypothetical imperative
≠ categorical
what actions would be good as a means to an end
e.g. if you eat less and exercise you will lose weight
categorical imperative 1
act only on that maxim whereby you can, @ the same time, will that it should become a universal law
’ would I wish everyone to behave as I am proposing to do in these circumstances? ‘
categorical imperative 2
humanity principle
the golden rule
act in such a way that you always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never simply as a means but always as an end
rational beings should treat other rational beings equally and in the same way that they wish to be treated
value of human beings does >< consist in how they can be used but is intrinsically part of us
categorical imperative 3
act as if you were, through your maxims, a law-making member of a kingdom of ends
combines 1 + 2
basis of Kantian deont
^ importance on an individual’s ability to reason
capacity to think rationally -> distinguishes human beings from all other creatures
reason binds humans together
good will
unconditional motive
>< concerned w/ the results of an action but w/ pure intention
moral person
acts out of duty solely because it is the right thing to do (for the sake of duty)
strengths
+ universalisability is a useful rule of thumb
+ catgorical imperatives make decision making clear cut as there is a specified rule to follow
+ takes account of justice (≠UTIL) - corrects the presumption that the innocent can be punished as long as the majority benefit
+ elevates humans to a ^ point of creation
humans are given dignity and the chance of >< being exploited by others
+ each individual is their own moral authority
+ lifts moral decision making process above that of personal gratification or the pursuit of pleasure
+ distinguishes between duty & inclination
weaknesses
1 - tells us what we ought to not do rather than what to do
[ MacIntyre ] : sets limits to ways in which and the means by which we conduct our lives - it does >< give them direction
2 - all humans might be rational but we still have different preferences
-> won’t find the same situations tolerable or intolerable
3 - high sounding laws
e. g. always act in the best interests of another person
- > become vacuous in practice
4 - not all universalisable duties are moral and the reverse argument
5 - any absolutist philosophy that uses the terms ‘always’ and ‘never’ is bound to run into exceptions
6 - clash of duties
7 - undervalues the role of emotions
do we need a sense of satisfaction?
appreciate that emotions need to be valued less as they are often associated w/ irrational thoughts
this could override the ‘good’ feelings of satisfaction
K argued that you act of duty for duty’s sake and has emphasised its non hedonistic approach - UTIL is >< perfect either
8 - DUTY leads to an unquestioning acceptance of authority
RESP 8 : Kant places great moral autonomy and could argue that our rational powers if used effectively could easily prevent this
Nazi’s are used as an example of CRIT 8 but one of the strengths of Kantian deont was its appreciation for justice and prevention of tyranny of the majority
