Chapter 3 - Deontology

Question 1

What kind of theory is Deontology?

Answer 1

It is a duty based theory that believes actions should be based on rules instead of their consequences.

Question 2

What does kantian ethics argue?

Answer 2

It argues that an actions rightness or wrongness depends on our intentions.

Question 3

What are hypothetical imperatives?

Answer 3

Tell you what to do based on circumstances.

Question 4

What are categorical imperatives?

Answer 4

Tell you what to do regardless of circumstances. Must do them (do not lie, murder, etc).

Question 5

What is perfect duty?

Answer 5

Duty obliged to fulfill without exception. Telling the truth.

Question 6

What is imperfect duty?

Answer 6

Duty obliged to fulfill in general but not in ever instance. Helping others.

Question 7

In kantian ethics what is the first categorical imperative?

Answer 7

It is a moral rule (universalizability test) that you as an individual would act from as if it were a universal law.

Question 8

What is a contradiction in conception?

Answer 8

If the universal law undermines itself or contradicts itself it doesn’t work.

Question 9

What is a contradiction in will?

Answer 9

If the universal law was in place and you didn’t want to live in that world then it would be a contradiction in will.

Question 10

What are the steps for the first categorical imperative?

Answer 10

1. Generate a universal rule (maxim)
2. Make that Maxim a universal law that everyone must follow.
3. Ask yourself if there is a contradtion in conception.
4. Ask yourself if you would rationally live in a world with that rule in place.

If step 3 and 4 do not work then it is not morally permissible.

Question 11

What is the 2nd categorical imperative?

Answer 11

It is the formula for humanity. The idea that everyone is treated with respect and noone is used as a means to an end. Not to use people like tools.

Question 12

What are the steps for the 2nd categorical imperative?

Answer 12

1. Are you using people like tools?
2. Are you respecting humanities intrinsic value?

If No to either then it fails.

Question 13

What are criticisms of kantian ethics?

Answer 13

• Perfect duties sometimes feel like they should be broken.
• Does not address moral conflicts when it is between two moral duties.
• perfect duty vs perfect duty.

Question 14

What was W.D. Ross’s Prima Facie Duties?

Answer 14

Prima Facie: Ross believed we had 8 prima facie duties.

-These duties should be performed at all times unless there was good moral reason not to.

Question 15

What were the 8 Prima facie duties?

Answer 15

1. Justice ( Get what they deserve)
2. Non-injury
3. Fidelity (Keeping promises)
4. Veracity (Being honest)
5. Reparation (Making ammends/fixing)
6. Beneficence (Doing good for others/being kind)
7. Self improvement
8. Gratitude (thank people)

Question 16

What are the steps of the prima facie duties?

Answer 16

1. Determine possible actions available
2. Determine which duties apply to each action. List them and explain how they apply.
3. Select the action where duties have most weight. Not necessarily one with most duities

Question 17

What are the problems with Ross’s Prima Facie Duties?

Answer 17

1. How do we determine the weight to assign duties.

2. How do we know what are duties are in the first place.