3.2.1 Kantian Deontological ethics - 3 marks

Question 1

Kantian deontological ethics

Answer 1

An act-based normative ethical theory that claims that

Question 2

Maxim

Answer 2

An intention that guides you in choosing your actions. Specifying a maxim involves specifying
the type of intended action, the circumstances/conditions in which it will be performed and
the end/aim/purpose of this action.

Question 3

A good will

Answer 3

A person has a good will if they make their decisions for moral reasons alone (i.e. out of duty,
rather than merely in accordance with duty).

Question 4

A contradiction in conception (Kant)

Answer 4

A maxim leads to a contradiction in conception if acting on that maxim is not conceivable
(/possible) in a world in which all people acted as you propose to act.

Question 5

A contradiction in will (Kant)

Answer 5

A maxim leads to a contradiction in the will if a world in which all people acted as you propose
to act would conflict with other things that you must rationally will.