Kant’s Deontology

Question 1

Is deontology an objectivist or relativist approach?

Answer 1

Objectivist because it emphasizes moral duties and principles that are universally applicable, regardless of the person’s culture or perspective

Question 2

Describe the theory of Kant’s deontology (Must include a description of the First and second formulation of the categorical imperative)

Answer 2

The theory to which one should always carry their actions solely according to their duties regardless of the context.

Its based on 2 categorical imperative:
1. Act according to the maxim which can be universalized
2. Act in a way that you treat humanity with respect, and not as a mere tool

Question 3

Strengths of Kant’s deontology

Answer 3

• universal principles
• respect for individuals
• justice and fairness
• its consistent

Question 4

Weaknesses of Kant’s deontology

Answer 4

• its difficult to apply
• its rigid
• its different to use because it relies on maxim
• it does not apply to animals

Question 5

Consult PPT Weeks 9, 10 and 11 (Kant, Part A, B and C) / course pack, pp. 43-51 (you can skip the last section “Variations on Kantian Moral Theory”

Question 6

What’s caterogical imperative ?

Answer 6

The rational requirements that we do not depend on what we care about. They command us to do things whether we want or not, and if we disobey them, we are acting contrary to reason

Question 7

What is the only one thing that is valuable according to Kant ?

Answer 7

Good will

Question 8

what is good will according to kant?

Answer 8

1. the ability to know what your duty is
2. acting for duty’s sake solely

these are the 2 boxes. Good will = corresponding to the 2 boxes

Question 9

What are Kant’s 2 categorical imperative?

Answer 9

1. Act according to the maxim which can be universalized
2. Act in a way that you treat humanity with respect, and not as a mere tool

Question 10

Why does kant dislike bentham?

Answer 10

1. he thinks bentham is irrational (the way we feel is not logic)
2. he thinks that some actions w/ good consequences are based off bad intentions
3. humans as human beings should be respectful
4. he disagrees on the fact that every pleasure is good pleasure. none sense