Ethics 3 Flashcards
Why are you probabily not a utilitarian if you believe in universal human rights?
It is wrong to treat humans as mere instruments, if they all are worthy of respect. You could make the case that this is better in the long run, however then you reason to respect those rights is not because it makes it better for everyone.
What is the moral basis if rights don’t rest on utility (according to Libertairians)?
Libertarians aruge that persons should not be used merely as means to the welfare of others, because it violates the fundemental rights of self ownership. However this also results in an unfettered market without a safety net for those who fall behind.
Why does Kant reject maximising welfare and promoting virtue?
He believes neither respects human freedom, he believes that market freedom or sonsumer choice is not true freedom, because it satisfies desires we haven’t chosen in the first place.
Why does Kant reject utilitarianism?
He argues that utilitarianism leaves rights vulnerable, moraility can’t be based on merely on empirical considerations (interests, wants, desires). He argues that reason can be sovereign.
What is Kant’s definition of Freedom?
Being able to act freely, which is not to choose the best means to a given end, but to choose the end itself.
What is autonomously?
When we act acounomously, we give ourselves, wo do something for its own sake. We cease to be instruments of purpose given outside us. This is according to Kant the difference between persons and things.
What does Kant believe respects human dignity?
Treating persons as end in themselves. He believes it is wrong to use people for the sake of general welfare (as utilitairianisme does).
What is the moral worth of an action according to Kant?
It consits in the internetion from which the act is done. (i.e. the motive). It matters to do something right, for the right reason.
Which three ideas does Kant connect?
Morality (duty vs. inclination), Freedom (autonomy vs. hetronomy), and Reason (categorical vs. hypothetical)
What are formulations of the categorical imperative?
- Universalize your Maxim, act only on that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.
- Treat Persons as Ends, we can’t base moral law on any particular interests, purpose, or ends, because then it would be only relative to the person whose ends they were.
When does Kant think you are acting morally?
It means acting out of duty, i.e. for the sake of moral law.
What are the two perspectives on human agency?
- He can consider himself so far as he belongs to the sensible world, to be under the laws of nature.
- He can consider himself so far that he belongs to the intelligible world to be under laws which, being independent of nature, are not empirical but have their ground in reason alone.
What are the four contrasts?
Morality, Freedom, Reason, Standpoints
What is Kant’s view on sex?
Only sex within marriage can avoid degrading humanity.
