Kant and Bentham Religious Links Flashcards
What are the 3 aspects linking Kant to religion?
1) The 10 commandments
2) Summon Bounnom
3) Universibility
What are the 3 aspects of Kant contradicting religion?
1) Reason over religion
2) Lack of reference
3) People are inclined to be evil
The 10 Commandments
KANT - FOR
The 10 commandments are in a similar nature to that of the laws in categorical imperative
Summon Bonnom
KANT - FOR
The goal or end of moral activity is to receive reward in relation to moral behaviour, even in an afterlife gaining the happiness owed, This idea is linked to heaven and the union with God.
Universability
KANT - FOR
Follows the christian ‘golden rule’ of treating others how you wish to be treated and love thy neighbour
Reason over Religion
KANT - AGAINST
Kant places focus on the use of reason to create this moral community. Religion is not needed, just rationality with the moral facts.
Lack of reference
KANT - AGAINST
All authority is invested into the moral agent not God given tests of struggle
People are inclined to be evil
KANT - AGAINST
Under NML Aquinas stated that people are naturally good as they are under the design of God just misguided in rationality. Kant states that people are inclined to be self interested and corrupt.
What are the 3 aspects linking Bentham to religion?
1) Situational
2) Utilitarian manner
3) He accepts it’s concept
What are the 3 aspects of Kant contradicting religion?
1) Discriminates
2) Value of Rules lost
3) Idea of happiness
Situational
BENTHAM - FOR
As the main basis for SE Jesus very much acts situationally. “The Sabbath was made for the man not for the Sabbath” utilitarianism acts situationally to created the highest good for the highest number
Utilitarian manner
BENTHAM - FOR
Can be argued that Jesus acted in a very utilitarian manner when he sacrifices himself for the pleasure of others
He accepts it’s concept
BENTHAM - FOR
Bentham does not exclude religion but comes under self interest and sympathy.
Though that said he does so religion is just a mere psychological trait that is fundamentally speaking untrue.
Discriminates
BENTHAM - AGAINST
Christian ethics has a particular focus on the weak and vulnerable and helping them in their struggles as jesus had done countless of times. Yet utiltarianism punishes minorities.
Value of Rules lost
BENTHAM - AGAINST
Christian ethics have a great emphasis on rulings like the 10 commandments yet utility is the only real rule of utilitarianism
