Evaluating Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What supports the categorical imperative?
The categorical imperative prohibits acts which are commonly seen as wrong e.g. murder. The evidence of these common laws in different societies supports the truth of the categorical imperative
What is strong about the categorical imperative?
Everyone can use the categorical imperative. It is not a system based upon belief in God but is based on the use of reason. Everyone has the ability to reason.
What is strong about Kant’s approach to morality?
He shows that it is more than personal preference, as the emotivists suggested. There is reason behind morality which leads to duty. This responds to criticism of the emotivists which Vardy makes. There is more than personal preference when we say that we do not agree with Hitler Killing of 6 million Jews, Kant would say that there is reason behind this judgement
What is strong about Kant’s justice?
Justice is always an absolute, even if the majority do not benefit.
What is strong about Kant’s approach to humans?
Kant’s belief that humans cannot be used as a means to an end shows that all humans have intrinsic worth. All humans are valued as equal and worthy of protection. Humans cannot be enslaved or exploited.
What is strong about a deontological approach?
Motivation is valued over consequences which are outside of our control
What is strong about the application of Kant’s theory?
It provided objective moral guidelines (absolutes) which makes moral decision making much easier. No need for lengthy calculations as you might have to with situation ethics and utilitarianism
What is the issue with not allowing humans as a means to an ends?
It severely restricts our behaviour. Sometimes, in exceptional circumstances e.g. war, it may be necessary to sacrifice a few to save a majority
What are the issues with duties?
Sometimes duties can conflict and so universal justice is not possible e.g. Hospitals lack beds so there comes a point when doctors have to decide who is to be treated and who is not. Lack of resources may mean that a duty cannot be universally applied
What are the issues with universals?
Moral dilemmas are all different and this makes universalisability difficult e.g. Kant prescribed “Do not kill” but can this equally be applied to the cold blooded murder and the woman who kills out of self defence.
What did Rachels say?
Humans have intrinsic worth, i.e. dignity, because they are rational agents - that is, free agents…guiding their conduct by reason”
How would Singer argue that Kant is speciest?
He would argue that some animals do have reason. Singer would argue that when people “…give less weight to the interests of nonhuman animals than they give to the similar interests of human beings it is not moral.
What did Schopenhauer think should be the basis of morality?
he declared that the true basis of morality is compassion.
How does Rachels support absolutes?
“The Elements of Moral Philosophy” - Innuits who kill the young to save resources share the common value of protection of life - just show it in different ways
How does Bradley criticise Kant?
Both pleasure and duty are too vague and many faceted to serve as true ends
