Deontological Ethics Flashcards
Definition?
Concerned with actions which are right or wrong in themselves meaning they aren’t concerned with consequences.
Means duties.
What are Kant’s two imperatives?
Hypothetical and Categorical
What is a hypothetical imperative?
They depend on a hypothetical outcome
E.G. If you want to be a great musician, you need to practice
What is a categorical imperative?
Does not depend on desires, there is nothing to gain from carrying g these out
KANT = ONLY MORAL IMPERATIVE
Kant on free will?
Only humans could be truly moral because only humans have free will.
Free will enables us to attribute moral worth to an action because the person could have chosen to act differently
What is the principle of universalisability?
I should act in such a way that I could will that my maxim should be universal law
What is the absolute rules advantage?
Moral rules are absolute seems to be something most people would agree is central or moral beliefs. Rules admit no compromise.
What is the dignity of human beings advantage?
The idea people should always be treated with respect and dignity and not manipulated for other ends articulates how most people would view a crucial part of a moral system. In the context of practical issue like euthanasia this could be used to promote the sanctity of human life and rule out volunteers for early death for respect as rational autonomous beings.
