Kantian ethics Flashcards
Kant’s view on our human nature
- rational level: where reason governs our behaviour- Kant thinks this is the highest level - when this is in control we are fully human and autonomous + we can be moral
- emotional level
- the appetites
we share 2+3 with animals- when this is in control this is the heteronomous (we are not free) and we act like an animal—> not being moral
Why does Kant think our reason is important?
allows us to:
- reflect on our biology + overcome our heteronomous to make us free
- makes us unique
- reason gives us moral freedom as we can rise above our emotions and appetites —> making us autonomous —> this is essential for morality and is the source of it
what does Kant say about freedom and being moral (quote)
we should ‘Dare to be Wise’ (Sapere aude) —> embrace our ability to be rationally and morally free as then we are enlightened and moral
what does Kant think about the moral law (what are its 4 features)
- uses a priori reasoning (reasoning purely not practically)
- it is intrinsically good (not dependent on consequences)
- it is a duty
- the moral law is applied a priori synthetic
the moral law: using a priori reasoning
- using a priori (pure) reasoning rather than practical reasoning (a posteriori) means we are deducing an absolute and objective moral law which shows us what is rational and moral
- example: it is just like universal truths of maths: 2+2 is always 4 —> this never changes
- “[there is a] moral law within me”
the moral law: intrinsically good
the moral law: it is a duty
intrinsically good:
- this is bc it contains the highest good
- doesn’t depend on the consequences
duty:
- reason shows us that the moral law is intrinsically good, objective and universal —> so it is our duty to obey it
- Kant takes the greek understanding that we must follow moral law to be fully human thus enabling us to be a rationally free human being
the moral law: a priori synthetic
moral law is knowing what is good (a priori) and applying this to a situation (synthetically) to see which rules are relevant
hypothetical imperatives
- only applies to those who want a specific goal
- this imperative is not moral because:
—> it does not involve other people
—> is conditional (only followed if u
want that goal)
—> are not our duty to follow bc they
don’t command intrinsically good
things
categorical imperatives
- the instructions reason shows us - an expression of the a priori moral law
- moral because:
—> involves other humans
—> is unconditional (goal is
independent of your desires/
wants )
—> our duty to follow all the
time bc its intrinsically good
how is the moral law expressed
- moral law is expressed through the categorical imperatives
- “if the action is represented as good in itself in accordance with reason, then the imperatives is categorical”
how are categorical imperatives used?
- C.I are used to help each person create general maxims/rules that can be applied to many dilemmas
- there are 3 general principles, known as the 3 expressions of the c.i. - from these you create the more specific rules
what are the 3 expressions of the c.i.
- formula of nature/principle of universalisation
- formula of the end itself
- formula of the kingdom of ends
what is expression 1:
formula of nature/principle of universalisation
- “Act only according to that maxim by which…should become a universal law”
- idea that if a law only applies to you it is not good
- good if it is universalise consistently - i.e. it will be right is everyone followed this maxim in all situations
- example: maxim of a lying promise: it can’t be universalised as it involves a contradiction- if this was universalised, it would mean all promises are meaningless SO instead, we can universalise a maxim where promises should be sincere- this is good
- another example: do not harm, do not be lazy
what is expression 2:
formula of the end itself
“always treat humanity…never simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end”
- because Kant claims we are diff from animals bc we have the ability to be free by using reason and being moral, this means we have intrinsic value
- SO we cannot use other humans as a means to our own ends - instead, all people should be treated as ends as well as means
what is expression 3:
formula of the kingdom of ends
“every rational being must so act… always a law-making member in the universal kingdom of ends”
- we should always be acing morally and be creating a good society
-to be truly autonomous and a rational being, we should be responsible for bringing about the ideal community that Kant envisages (the kingdom of ends/summun Bonum)
