Kant’s categorical imperative Flashcards
What is our ‘a priori moral will’
Our sense of ought
Why is his theory absolutist?
We have a sense of ought, so there must be absolute moral laws which exist in the noumenal world which can be accessed through reason
Why does he dismiss the hypothetical imperative?
As, using the hypothetical imperative, compels you to base your actions on on an intended outcome.
Why it is wrong to base your actions on an outcome - example
If I want my friend to be happy then i must lie to her, however this has discounted the fact that lying is wrong
It can not lie sometimes and not other times … why
Because moral reasoning will result in the same way every time. There is one absolute rule for everyone at all times
Why are we all the same
Because we can all reason, this separates us from animals
Why must we not act in a way that we wouldn’t want others to act in?
Because we are all the same, all reasoning human beings
What is a categorical imperative?
An action carried out without concern for the out come. Must be obeyed and apply to everyone
3 ways you can determine if your action is categorical
1) can it be universalised
2) is it using a person as an ends in themselves
3) are our actions based on how society ought to be - as if we were living in the kingdom of ends
‘Act only according to that maxim
That you will at the same time to become universal law’
Lying promise example
If a man borrows money from a friend knowing that he can’t pay them back, if he universalises this action, the whole of society would fall apart, as no one could trust anyones promises. So the mans duty is to tell his friend the truth before paying him back
John Rawls veil of ignorance
Imagine we were to set the rules, without knowing our place in society, how it ought to be. You’d inevitably ban racism and homophobia. We should act according to these rules regardless of who we are .
Deontology
Focus on the actions
What is our duty
To do what ever reason tells us is good
Axe murderer example
If a murderer turned up at your door and asked for the whereabouts of your friend, you are obligated to tell them where they are as lying cannot be universalised. You would not be morally responsible for their death as you only ever did the right thing.
