Kantian ethics

Question 1

a goodwill

Answer 1

-the only source of pure good
-one that acts for the sake of duty
-represents the only pure good in the world + is the source of all moral value

Question 2

is anything that is an end within itself morally good?

Answer 2

no, money and happiness are ends within themselves but are not morally good

Question 3

a goodwill when it acts for the sake of duty does what?

Answer 3

in willing the action, the motivation doesn’t stem from the outcomes but the duty of doing the right thing

Question 4

the right thing (goodwill)

Answer 4

to act out of duty not personal motivation = to act in accordance to the moral law

Question 5

deontological

Answer 5

argues that the rightness or wrongness of an act lies in doing the right thing because it is the right thing in itself – regardless of any consequences
acting put of duty not possible good/bad outcomes for yourself

Question 6

explain how to act in accordance to duty=acting in accordance to moral law

Answer 6

do the right thing BUT if motives are for yourself it has no moral worth

Question 7

hypothetical imperatives

Answer 7

things we DON’T always have to do but should to achieve certain goals
-not universally applicable

Question 8

acting in accordance to duty EX

Answer 8

if a shopkeeper is short changing people for his own benefit =not good
if the shop keeper is not short changing people because he wants a good reputation = NO moral worth as doing for own benefit/avoiding consequences
if the shopkeeper isn’t short-changing people as it the right thing to do = moral worth as acting in accordance to duty not own benefit

Question 9

hypothetical imperatives EX

Answer 9

if you want a cup of tea you should boil the kettle
-boil the kettle=doing an action for your own gain=NOT morally worthy BUT reaches personal goal
-not universally applicable as not everyone should boil their kettle as not everyone shares the same goal
=not first formulation

Question 10

categorical imperative

Answer 10

commands we are obliged to follow no matter what
the only MORAL imperatives

Question 11

categorical imperative EX

Answer 11

you ought to keep your promises
-not dependant on a goal personal or not
-universally applicable

Question 12

how do you work out categorical imperatives?

Answer 12

asking whether the maxim is universabale and if we are acting out of duty not personal gain/avoiding outcomes

Question 13

rational commitment

Answer 13

if we genuinely have the desire = the imperative is a sound one we become rationally committed to follow it

Question 14

rational commitment EX

Answer 14

if you want to lose weight you must eat less and exercise more
your reason will commit you to this

Question 15

Rational commitment counter argument

Answer 15

doesn’t take weakness of will into account
EX people struggle to lose weight

Question 16

categorical imperative (first formulation)