Kantian Ethics

Question 1

Kant relies too much on reason because (limits to reason)

Answer 1

Human reason is limited. Our minds experience the world through categories that we impose. Things can be beyond our ability to prove

Question 2

Kant relies too much on reason because (Barth, need God)

Answer 2

Barth would say reason is limited and we require God’s revelation to gain truth

Question 3

Kant relies too much on reason because (Freud, drives)

Answer 3

Freud argues that our moral thinking is the product of subconscious drives from our upbringing. Makes morality more instinctive than reasoned.

Question 4

Kant’s use of reason is right because: (Autonomy)

Answer 4

Everyone has the power to reason. We must treat people equally as to respect the autonomy

Question 5

Kant’s use of reason is right because: (Morality)

Answer 5

Morality comes from our sphere of reason. Our moral duties are a priori synthetic; we are able to work them out using reason.

Question 6

Kant’s use of reason is right because: (fixed nature)

Answer 6

Kant assumes there is one fixed human nature - hence we should each come to the same conclusions about the categorical imperatives.