Kantian Ethics

Question 1

What is the moral law?

Answer 1

Our duty to obey at all times.

Question 2

What is the moral law based upon?

Answer 2

Reason.

Question 3

How do we discover what is right to do?

Answer 3

Rational thought.

Question 4

What does the moral law require to work?

Answer 4

Everyone needs to have good will.

Question 5

What is the categorical imperative?

Answer 5

Rules that are unconditional and apply to everyone at all times.

Question 6

What are the 3 formulations?

Answer 6

1. Formula of the law of nature
2. Formula of an end-in-itself
3. Formula of the Kingdom of Ends

Question 7

What is the formula of the Law of Nature?

Answer 7

Universalisability = only completing an action if it is possible for everyone else to follow it

Question 8

What does “ought implies can” mean?

Answer 8

It means that you should only do something if it is possible, which means it is the right action and can be universalised.

Question 9

What is the formula of an End-in-Itself?

Answer 9

It means that when making a decision, you should never use people to get what you want, they should always gain something from the action too (People should never be treated as a means to an end).

Question 10

What does the formula of the Kingdom of Ends mean?

Answer 10

It means that everyone should behave as though you are setting laws as an equal member of a community (a role model).

Question 11

What is the hypothetical imperative?

Answer 11

Includes rules that are conditional and do not apply to everyone.

Question 12

What is the Theory of Duty?

Answer 12

That the categorical imperative is an end-in-itself, so should be obeyed for its own sake.

Question 13

What are moral duties?

Answer 13

Rules that must be obeyed because they are our duty.

Question 14

What does Kant believe our reason does?

Answer 14

He believes our reason tells us that there is a categorical imperative.

Question 15

Why does our reason tell us the categorical imperative?

Answer 15

Because reason does not vary from person to person, which means if reason is used correctly everyone should come to the same conclusion of the categorical imperative.

Question 16

What does Kant believe about moral truths?

Answer 16

That they are synthetic and a priori.

Question 17

What does synthetic mean?

Answer 17

Not true by definition - evidence is needed to support the point.

Question 18

What does a priori mean?

Answer 18

Not true by experience (innate)

Question 19

What does Kant believe morality is based upon?

Answer 19

Reason.

Question 20

What is the only thing that is always good - according to Kant?

Answer 20

Good will = a correct motive.

Question 21

How do you achieve the summum bonum?

Answer 21

By following the categorical imperative (out of duty).

Question 22

What is the summum bonum?

Answer 22

The highest good, which is perfect moral virtue that is rewarded by perfect happiness.

Question 23

What is the bonum consummatum?

Answer 23

The virtue and possession of happiness, which is the reward for achieving the highest good (the realised good).

Question 24

What are the 3 postulates?

Answer 24

1. Freedom
2. Immortal Souls
3. God exists

Question 25

Why does Kant believe humans should have freedom?

Answer 25

• because free will is needed for morality as “the will is in all action a law to itself”
• because decisions must be made through reason (which free will is needed for)

Question 26

Why does Kant believe the soul is immortal?

Answer 26

• because multiple lives are needed to achieve the summum bonum, which happens through reincarnation of the soul

Question 27

Why does Kant believe God exists?

Answer 27

• because only God can reward us with the summum bonum

Question 28

Why is Kantian Ethics easy to apply?

Answer 28

The rules are absolute - the same in every situation.

Question 29

How does Kantian Ethics protect justice?

Answer 29

People must be treated as an end-in-themselves.

Question 30

How does Kantian Ethics guarantee equality?

Answer 30

• end-in-itself = means discrimination is wrong
• universalisability = does not allow self-interest

Question 31

Why do Emotivists argue Kantian Ethics is weak?

Answer 31

They believe morality is based on feelings, not reason.

Question 32

Which scholar supports Emotivists and why?

Answer 32

Hume - because he believes emotions commit us to action and should be the basis of moral decisions.

Question 33

Why can Kantian Ethics cause great suffering?

Answer 33

• because it ignores consequences and emotions, which leads to a lack of compassion.

Question 34

Why do Utilitarians disagree with Kantian Ethics?

Answer 34

• because they believe that happiness/pleasure is the only good in itself, not good will (duty)

Question 35

Why does universalisability create issues?

Answer 35

• because it forbids personal choices
• because it can result in inflexible laws
• because it does not promote meaningful moral guidance

Question 36

What inconsistencies does Kant present?

Answer 36

He allows killing in wars, but not any other circumstance.

Question 37

Who argues that Kant fails to recognise that duties can conflict?

Answer 37

Ross
- he argues that some duties are more important than others and that the duty to be truthful conflicts with the duty to protect innocent life.
- Ross displays this by highlighting that Kant says we cannot lie to a murderer to save someone’s life

Question 38

Who argues that good will can be used to commit evil effects?

Answer 38

Pojman
- supports this with the quote that “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”
- and questions if “Hitler had good intentions when carrying out his dastardly programs?”