Kant- Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals Flashcards
How does Kant distinguish between physics, ethics and logic?
Physics- study of the material world
Ethics - study of human behaviour
Logic - study of pure thought
“Formal philosophy is called logic, whereas material philosophy, which has to do with determinate objects and the laws to which they are subject, is once again twofold. For these laws are either laws of nature, or of freedom. The science of the first is called physics, that of the other is ethics; the former is also called doctrine of nature, the latter doctrine of morals.”
Ai priori vs Ai posteriori
Ai priori- Pure philosophy; they are concepts that occur to us independent of experience or perception. Kant aims to look for a philosophy based on this.
Ai posteriori - Empirical philosophy; concepts that we derive from our experiences in the world.
Why does Kant seek for a philosophy that is free of empiricism and based on ai priori principles?
1) So that he can find a pure philosophy that can apply to anyone, anywhere and not just morals that are binding to specific circumstances.
2) can help people develop pure motivations. Just because is just, it doesn’t mean that the the intentions are just.
What is good will?
the one thing in the world that is intrinsically good. Even good qualities like intelligence can be used for bad purposes.
Why is happiness not the ‘end of Nature?’
If happiness was our goal, nature would have given us something to serve that purpose . If it is ‘reason’ that is given to us, it would be just to realise how happy we are, which causes less satisfaction. This then causes the hatred of reason, which causes unhappiness. hence, happiness is not the end.
What is the true purpose of reason?
to bring a will that is good in itself, rather than a will for the attainment of something e.g. happiness.
Define and describe the 3 concepts of duty according to Kant. From what does duty obtain its moral worth?
D- the obligations of goodwill.
1) duties are good if they are done for the sake of duty alone, and not what it accomplishes.
2) duties are good if the motivation for it is good. (ai priori)
3) duties are good if it is taken for the respect of law.
What does he mean when he says “I ought to never proceed except in such a way that I could also will that my maxim should become a universal law”? To whom does the universal apply – who is able to follow this process of reasoning?
What he means is that his maxim (motivating principle) should also be applicable to anything.
universal applies to everything in all circumstances.
What are the requirements for something to become a moral law?
the requirement is that the maxim must be a universal law. e.g. lying is not a moral law because one will focus on the consequences only. (not universal)
A crucial point, on pg. 26: who has the capacity to have a will, and follow moral laws?
everyone.
“can therefore constitute the pre-eminent good that we call moral, which is already present in the person himself who acts according to it, and is not first to be expected from the effect.*
What is an imperative? What is the difference between an imperative being hypothetical, and categorical? How about assertoric and apodictic?
Imperative - the command of reason
hypothetical (assertoric) - the command that an action is necessary for the outcome. it is common and obvious.
categorical
(apodictic) - a command that an action is necessary. a priori.
What is the categorical imperative? How does the will fulfil it?
the will fulfils it IF your action is aimed to establish a maxim as a universal law. i.e. you are doing something not for the outcome, but for as an end in itself.
The imperative then has two further forms/definitions: using ‘humanity as an end’ and the ‘kingdom of ends’. See if you can determine what he means by these.
‘kingdom of ends’ = a perfect community in which everyone are ends in themselves and respects everyone else too.
What is the difference between the autonomy and the heteronomy of the will?
- heteronomy of the will does not come from ai priori/ pure concepts of reason. the will is derived from something else.
- autonomy of the will comes from pure reason. the will/ moral action is undertaken for duty alone.
