Deontology 💜 Flashcards
what does kant call the commands of morality?
categorical imperatives.
what does kant say about the categorical imperatives? (commands of morality)
they are unconditional: they do not depend on any particular goal that we may have, or on any expected consequences.
what does kant mean by ‘universal law’?
actions that everyone would be able to perform
what is an example of universal law?
do not steal other people’s property.
what does kant say about the ‘humanity formulation’?
we should always treat other human beings as an ends in themselves, and never merely as a means to an end.
why does kant think we should never use other people purely for our own gain? (the humanity formulation)
because we should always respect other human beings as rational agents who have their own goals.
what does kant mean by the ‘good will’?
being motivated by duty to act in accordance with the moral law.
what is an example that illustrates the idea of the ‘good will’
giving money to h charity because you want to make yourself look good. whilst the action is right and has good consequences, it has no moral worth.
SUMMARY - kant believed that in order to be morally worthy, an action must:
- be universal (universal law)
- treat humanity with respect (the humanity formulation)
- be motivated by a sense of duty (the good will)
name and explain 1 strength of kantian deontology. (about the humanity formulation)
kant’s humanity formulation has been very influential in the development of human rights.
name and explain 1 strength of kantian deontology. (about the universal law)
some things are right and wrong in all situations. this idea of universality is also reflected in many religions like The Golden Rule (treat others how you want to be treated) Kant’s deontology can also provide a secular (non religious) foundation for morality.
name and explain 1 weakness of kantian deontology. (duties)
conflicting duties
e.g. to tell the truth or to save a life.
name and explain 1 weakness of kantian deontology. (motivation)
can we be motivated purely by a sense of duty? or will there always be some benefit to a person in order for them to perform the action (ETHICAL EGOISM)
what would religious deontologists say?
that we come to know our moral duties by knowing the will of god, so that whatever god tells us what/what not to do, is what we are duty bound to follow.
these can often be found in religious texts e.g. the 10 commandments.
what do deontologists believe that morality is?
that morality is a matter of duty and that there are certain acts that must/must not be done.
