Applying Kant Flashcards
How do we apply Kant to the issue of stealing?
Kant had a hard-line stance on stealing, in that it is never alright. Looking at both the humanity and universal formulation of the categorical imperative, we can see that the maxim of ‘steal at will’ fails the first step of each, therefore we have a perfect duty not to perform these actions.
How do we apply Kant to the issue of telling lies?
When looking at the issue of telling lies, we can also say that Kant’s categorial imperative would also require ‘telling lies at will’ to fail at the first step of both the universal and humanity formulation.
How do we apply the issue of eating animals to Kant?
Animals cannot reason, therefore we have a higher moral value than them inherently. They have no ability to follow a will, as they can only follow their desire, therefore we are not bypassing anyone’s autonomy to be eating animals.
How do we apply the issue of simulated killing to Kant?
Universal formulation: It is not contradictory to will that people watch simulated killing when they wish to be entertained. Not is it hypocritical to say this, as we have been raised in a culture where simulated killing is appropriate.
humanity formulation: We are not bypassing the autonomy of any individual, as all actors, actresses, and AI have given consent.
However, do we not have a responsibility to nurture our compassions, which some argue cannot occur during simulated killing. This can be evident from the attitude of Victorian juries not allowing butchers to be jury members.
How can we evaluate Kant’s response to the issue of stealing?
It can be seen as cold-hearted and individualistic to look at stealing in this hard-line way. Could we not argue in the case of the husband who wishes to make his wife better by stealing medicine from a hospital is justified?
How can we evaluate Kant’s response to the issue of telling lies?
Could we not also agree that this method of approaching ethics is extremely cold and calculated. Look at the axeman case, surely we could lie to the axeman in order to create a better world. Kant may say that this is beyond our sphere of control, and we should focus on our own self-actualisation.
How can we evaluate Kant’s response to the issue of eating animals?
J. Bentham believed that the rational abilities of an animals had nothing to do with our right to consume them. Instead, it is a question of whether an animal can suffer that means we should eat them or not. As well as this, what about mentally disabled people who can’t reason like other people, are they suddenly on a different moral status to us?
How can we evaluate Kant’s response to the issue of simulated killing?
Kant’s filtration of this issue produces a rather modern perspective on simulated killing. There is very little evidence to suggest that watching more simulated killing makes you more violent. Above this, we could say watching realistic simulated killing enables you to grow your empathy.
