Immanuel Kant (Questions 10-20) Flashcards
- Why does Kant think that the good will is the best thing? He gives three main reasons. What are they?
Kant believes that the good will is the best thing for three main reasons: it is intrinsically good without qualification, it is the only thing that is good in all circumstances, and it even gives value to other good qualities, making them morally praiseworthy.
- When it comes to moral assessment, why does Kant think that only one type of actions matter (“willings”), and why does he think that consequences don’t matter?
Kant argues that only the “willings” or the motives behind actions matter in moral assessment. Consequences do not matter because one can have good intentions and follow moral principles even if the outcome is unfavorable. Moral worth is derived from the adherence to duty, irrespective of the consequences.
- Kant distinguishes two kinds of motives. What does Kant mean by “inclinations”? What does he mean by “duty”?
Kant distinguishes between “inclinations” and “duty” as two kinds of motives. Inclinations refer to personal desires and preferences that may influence actions but lack moral significance. Duty, on the other hand, involves actions performed out of respect for moral principles and the categorical imperative, regardless of personal inclinations.
- What determines or defines the good will? In other words, what is it about the good will that makes it a good will (as opposed to a not-really-all-that-good will)?
The good will, according to Kant, is defined by its commitment to duty and moral principles regardless of personal inclinations or desires. What distinguishes it as genuinely good is its unwavering adherence to the moral law, acting out of a sense of duty rather than mere inclination.
- What is the difference Kant draws between acting in conformity with duty vs. acting from duty? Give and explain an example of each. Which has moral worth?
Kant distinguishes between acting in conformity with duty and acting from duty based on the underlying motives. Acting in conformity with duty involves aligning with moral principles but may be driven by personal desires or external factors. On the other hand, acting from duty entails performing an action solely because it is one’s moral obligation, irrespective of personal inclinations.
Example of acting in conformity with duty: A person refrains from cheating on a test not out of a deep sense of moral duty but because they fear getting caught and facing consequences. While the action aligns with duty, the motivation is rooted in self-interest.
Example of acting from duty: Another person refrains from cheating on a test because they believe it is morally wrong, and they have a genuine commitment to honesty and integrity. Their motivation stems from a sense of duty to uphold moral principles.
- Does Kant think that in order to perform an act from duty, you cannot have any inclinations to perform the act? Why or why not?
Kant does not argue that one must lack inclinations to perform an act from duty. According to him, inclinations may coexist with duty. However, the key to moral worth lies in actions being performed solely from a sense of duty, uninfluenced by personal desires or inclinations. In other words, while inclinations may accompany virtuous actions, the moral value of an act is determined by the extent to which it is motivated by a commitment to duty rather than personal preferences or desires.
- Kant gives one supreme principle of morality, called the “Categorical Imperative” (although he gives several formulations). What is categorical about the imperative? How is it different from a hypothetical imperative? (Section II material is important here)
The Categorical Imperative is categorical because it applies universally and unconditionally to all rational beings. It is different from a hypothetical imperative, which is contingent upon personal goals or desires. The Categorical Imperative commands actions based on their inherent moral worth, not on achieving specific ends.
- The following is the “Universal Law Formulation” of the Categorical Imperative: “I ought never to act except in such a way that I could also will that my maxim should become a universal law.” Explain what Kant means here. What is a maxim? What does it mean to will that a maxim should become a universal law? In what two ways might we be unable to will that a maxim become a universal law?
In the Universal Law Formulation, Kant argues that one should act only according to maxims that can be willed as a universal law. A maxim is a personal principle or rule governing one’s actions. To will that a maxim becomes a universal law means accepting that everyone should act according to the same principle. Inconsistencies in this universalization render the action impermissible.
NEVER MAKE AN EXCEPTION FOR YOURSELF.
- According to Kant, does the Categorical Imperative allow me to make a promise I do not intend to keep? Why or why not? Carefully explain how the Categorical Imperative (universal law formulation) would apply to this case.
According to Kant, the Categorical Imperative prohibits making a promise one does not intend to keep. Universalizing the maxim of breaking promises would lead to a contradiction, making such an action morally impermissible.
- According to Kant, does the Categorical Imperative allow me to never help those who are in need? Why or why not? Carefully explain how the Categorical Imperative (universal law formulation) would apply to this case.
Kant asserts that the Categorical Imperative prohibits refusing to help those in need. Failing to aid others disregards their intrinsic value as ends in themselves, making such a maxim morally impermissible.
- According to Kant, how does the Categorical Imperative divide our options into those that are impermissible, permissible, and required?
The Categorical Imperative categorizes actions into impermissible (contradictory when universalized), permissible (consistent when universalized), and required (necessary for consistency when universalized).
