Kant

Question 1

Introduction

Answer 1

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Prussian philosopher 
Only acts done out of absolute duty can be morally good 
Consequences shouldn't decide the goodness of an action because if it is good then it is good in itself regardless of consequences

Question 2

Para 1

Types of deontology

Answer 2

Material deontology - cos of who made the rule e.g. In schools
Formal deontology - rules make sense and are morally right e.g. Ten Commandments - some people follow her because they believe in the messages behind them instead of believing god gave them
Authorities can enforce rules but they can’t give them their meaning

Question 3

Para 2

Good will and duty

Answer 3

Good will - only thing good without exceptions - other good things can also be used for bad only a good will is good in all situations
We have an innate sense of duty - only acts done out of duty are morally good
Hypothetical imperative - imperative to act - not moral commands - rewards - e.g. Saving a life for reward

Question 4

Para 3
Absolutist
1st form

Answer 4

Absolutist
One set of rules that everyone should follow
Categorical imperative - absolutist
1st form - formula of the law of nature - universal law
Kant gives 6 examples - deception, theft, suicide (cos whole race would die out), laziness, charity and cruelty to animals - can never be universalised

Question 5

Categorical imperative quote

Answer 5

Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law

Question 6

Para 4

2nd form

Answer 6

2nd form
Formula of the end in itself
Treat people as ends in themselves e.g. In business

Question 7

Para 5

3rd form

Answer 7

3rd form - formula of the kingdom of ends
Hypothetical world where all rational beings treat each other as ends not means where all beings are rational and always act according to universal maxims
No personal or private acts
Give bro a present - everyone should give their brothers presents at xmas

Question 8

Para 6

Postulates

Answer 8

3 postulates
Freedom - to choose to do good
Immortality - unusual that doing right thing makes us happy in this life - must be another life where we are rewarded
God - to crown us with summum bonum

Question 9

Para 7
Strength
Equality

Answer 9

Promotes equality - no person over another - values freedom and dignity, allows you to be morally autonomous while still providing a rule to follow

Question 10

Para 8
Weakness
No account of consequences

Answer 10

No account of consequences - can an action still be good if it has a distraction consequence - good will says yes
No allowance for compassion

Question 11

Para 9

Habits - universalise

Answer 11

Brushing teeth - being willing to universalise doesn’t make it necessarily moral
Surely a habit or small preference is a matter of preference not moral duty?

Question 12

Para 10

How similar??

Answer 12

How similar do two situations have to be?
Account for al details - so many different rules
Some details are irrelevant/ how do we decide which ones??

Question 13

Conclusion

Answer 13

Useful guidance
Problems with 1st form but second form is defo good
Impossible to use in practise