Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What is the definition of your duty (according to Kant)?
An acton we are required or impelled to carry out. Doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing.
What is the hypothetical imperative?
The hypothetical comparative is when we do things in order to achieve a goal. These are NOT moral according to Kant.
Something we ought/should do.
What are the 2 main features/formulations of the categorical imperative?
- Universal Law
- Humantiy Formulation (Treat humans as an end to themselves)
What is the categorical imperative?
Commands we are obliged to follow no matter what. An absolute command. These ARE moral according to Kant.
Explain Universalizability (1st formulation of the categorical imperative)
We should only act on those rules which we can will to be universal laws. E.g. think of a maxim, can it be universalised/applied to everyone?
What did Kant mean when he said humans are imperfectly rational?
This make us free to choose our actions and therefore be moral beings.
What are imperfect duties?
Duties that aren’t constant obligations but still obligations. They arise as we aren’t perfect.
What are perfect duties?
Perfect duties have no exceptions.
Explain the problem of clashing/completing duties.
Having to do some duties at the same time.
How would Kant criticize the problem of clashing/competing duties?
According to Kant, perfect duties CANNOT clash.
Explain the 2 problems of universalising maxims and morality.
- Not all universalisable maxims are moral.
- Not all non-universalisable maxims are immoral.
What is a maxim?
A sort of rule of action.
Explain the problem of other motives (against Kantian Ethics)
There may be other motives that effect our actions. Ethics of care. Kants theory is more a ‘male’ way of thinking. Women are more concerned and caring.
Explain the issue of not all non-universalisable maxims are immoral.
E.g. “Everytime you see a homeless person, you give them £50”
This maxim is moral, however it cannot be universalised because not everyone has £50.
