Kant Statement Essay Flashcards
Introduction:
+ Kantianism is a deontological theory, related by the 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant
+ refer to question specifically
+ Agree/disagree with the criticism
Paragraph 1 topic
Discussion of consequences
Paragraph 1 points:
+ deontology states that the moral worth of an act is intrinsic rather than extrinsic
+ this may be dubbed cold, as most people agree that consequences matter
+ however, consequences are too unpredictable
+ accidental saviour example
+ shows the flimsiness of consequences, may make moral outcomes from immoral motives
Paragraph 2 topic
The good will
Paragraph 2 points:
+ good will: the motive to act in a way because you know it is morally correct
+ enquiring murderer example
+ this could certainly be called callous
+ Kant argued that to act out of love or kindness was not morally praiseworthy, as could have same consequences
+ raises issue of competing duties - Kant says it is intuiting to tell the truth, but almost all would lie.
+ furthermore, he takes consequences into account
Your stance on paragraph 2?
I find that Kant’s insistence on the good will could certainly be dubbed cold, but it is not out of touch with the real world - as it ensures everyone can know if they are moral or not. However, whilst trying to avoid taking consequences into account, Kant accidentally predicts the effects of some of his actions - reduced reliability.
Paragraph 3 topic
Rationalism and the sovereignty of reason
Paragraph 3 points:
+ Kant was a rationalist and believed in a priori truths
+ therefore, he believed that he could use his reason to determine the one morally correct course of action - sovereignty of reason
+ called this action the categorical imperative
+ categorical vs hypothetical imperatives
Paragraph 4 topic
Introduce categorical imperative and contradiction in conception
Paragraph 4 points:
+ in order to understand c imperative, must make a maxim - principle of an action
+ do not steal
+ must be universal - applicable to all people at all times
+ must not commit contradiction in conception; explain
+ my maxim does not commit it, but is cold to those who have nothing, but consequences must be ignored
Paragraph 5 topic
Discussion of contradiction in conception
Paragraph 5 points:
- humans are emotional and unpredictable, will not all abide to the law
+ misses the point of kantianism, it is the will that matters, he knew not everyone would follow it
+ would be impossible to create a universally followed theory
Your stance on paragraph 5?
I find the criticism to be irrelevant to a further extent, as it focuses on the menial details of the theory without taking the wider aims of it into account.
Paragraph 6 topic
Contradiction in conception + end in itself formulation
Paragraph 6 points:
+ explain contradiction in the will
+ my maxim also survives this, as would prefer not to be stolen from
+ must survive end in itself formulation - explain
+ ensures people have divinity and rationality
+ can be used if they are aware of and agree to it
+ my maxim survives this, as no one is stolen from and their rational mindset is not changed
+ my maxim is categorically imperative
Paragraph 6 quote:
“Act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.”
Paragraph 7 topic
Discussion of contradiction in the will
Paragraph 7 points:
The contradiction in the will takes consequences into account, as it tries to predict the effect of our decisions at a later time.
What is your stance on paragraph 7?
Reduces the reliability of kantianism
- he has subconsciously gone against deontology, weak foundations
- if he, the creator of the therory, goes against it - surely everyone else will too
Paragraph 8 topic
Discussion of the good will
Paragraph 8 points:
+ using good will over emotions may prove to be impossible
+ too deeply instilled with value of kindness
+ decision-making process of deciding morality is too time-consuming in some situations
+ misses point of kantianism, as it doesn’t matter how she’d it is, as long as theory is valid
Your stance on paragraph 8?
It may be cold and callous to ignore emotions, but that is necessary to become moral
Conclusion:
+ unreasonable criticism
+ criticism aims to appease people, instead of ensure morality
+ theory would be taken advantage of
