KANT- Hypothetical Imperatives

Question 1

What is an imperative

Answer 1

A reason that we should act in one way rather than another

Question 2

What does this type of ought/should depend on

Answer 2

Having a certain goal

Question 3

Which part of the statement “If you want tea you should boil the kettle.” gives us the condition we aspire to

Answer 3

The first part

Question 4

Which part of the statement “if you want tea you should boil the kettle” tells us what to do to meet this condition

Answer 4

The second part

Question 5

What is the ought conditional upon

Answer 5

The desire as not everyone has the same desire

Question 6

What word are hypothetical imperatives often linked to

Answer 6

Good- although not used in a moral sense

Question 7

Are hypothetical imperatives moral imperatives

Answer 7

No e.g. “it’s good to wear gloves when robbing a house”

Question 8

Kant isn’t interested in hypothetical imperatives as they aren’t moral imperatives- why can’t they be moral imperatives

Answer 8

-They lack the universalisability to be moral imperatives as they are based on desires/ends that not everyone shares e.g. not everyone wants to have tea so not everyone should boil the kettle
- actions are based upon hypothetical imperatives are performed because we are trying to achieve a personal goal so therefore have no moral worth as they are not motivated by a good will so aren’t moral actions