KANT- The Categorical Imperative (humanity Formulation) Flashcards
Why do humans have reason and autonomy according to Kant
The ability to create and follow your own rules
What is the humanity formulation
Takes autonomy as it’s central premise and says to “ACT IN SUCH A WAY THAT YOU TREAT HUMANITY, WHETHER IN YOUR OWN PERSON OR IN THE PERSON OF ANY OTHER, NEVER MERELY AS A MEANS TO AN END, BUT ALWAYS AT THE SAME TIME AS AN END”
What did Kant believe about the humanity formulation
Same meaning as universal law formulation but presented in a more intuitive way.
Expresses the idea that it is always wrong to treat a person in an action that they don’t have the chance to consent to.
You cannot use people as means
Is calling a plumber and using they to further my ends using them as means
No as they consented to the arrangement and they are using me as an means to make money.
The moral problem arises when you don’t have the chance to consent so your rationality/ autonomy is undermined. In this situation you are being used merely as means to an end
What is the example of the women with the fake money that uses you as means to an end
- when buying your old guitar she purposely gives you a fake £20 notes
-this is wrong as she bypasses your autonomy as if she told you the notes where fake you wouldn’t accept them. So by not telling you she is acting in a way that doesn’t give you a chance to consent. - she is treating you merely as a means to get the guitar and not as a person with your own ends
Why does the example of refusing to help others not breach the humanity formulation
It doesn’t override anyone’s autonomy. But it’s not in harmony with the formulation
What does being in harmony require us to do
Help develop autonomy and rationality in ourselves and others- we have an imperfect duty to do this( we should help others sometimes)
What is the key to dignity for many
Respecting autonomy as the humanity formulation does. Modern human rights where influential in their formulation
What is an example that violates human dignity
While in a relationship Amy and David took nude pictures of each other and after they broke up David posted some of these on his social media as revenge.
What do Unitarians and Kant say about why the David and Amy example is wrong
Utilitarian- difficult to explain why as the pictures may bring happiness to others but could argue that it goes against a rule that itself Maximises happiness
Kant- represents a violation of human autonomy. Amy is being used as a means to an end as she had no opportunity to consent. David has a perfect duty to not act in the way he did.
