Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What should motivate our actions according to Kant?
We should not base our views on the consequences of our actions - the only thing that is good at all times is our good intentions.
What is a hypothetical imperative?
An ‘if-then’ statement that is conditional on its end.
Why is Kantian ethics deontological?
Kant does not look at the consequence of the actions but the action independently.
What are the three formulations of the categorical imperative?
Formula of the law of nature
Formula of the end itself
Formula of the kingdom of ends
What is the formula of the law of nature?
Universalisation - you should only act on an ethical principle if it’s logically possible for everyone to act on it.
‘So act that the maxim of your will could always hold at the same time as a principle establishing universal law’
What are two examples of the formula of the law of nature that Kant uses?
Suicide - Kant said this could not be universalised as it would lead to a contradiction as life is a fundamental principle of nature.
Borrowing money - a man needs to borrow money but knows he will never be able to pay it back, this could never be universalised.
What does Kant mean by ‘contradiction of will’?
Kant thought that maxims - such as ‘always refuse to help others’ - could not be universalised as they contradict our rational will to achieve ends.
What is the formula of the kingdom of ends?
We live in a kingdom where everyone has a good will and has similar ideas of what is good.
We must act as if everyone also acts in that way, acting in the wrong way means people will too.
‘Act as if you were, through your maxims, a law making member of the kingdom of ends’
What is the formula of the end itself?
If we use somebody for something we are denying them of something else, for example, using someone for money derives them of love.
Therefore, you should not use people in order to get what you want.
‘Act in such a way that you always treat humanity…never simply as means but always as an end’.
Why would Kant disapprove of the construction of the Bakun Dam?
The displaced indigenous people were treated as means to an end - their rights were not taken into account.
What is the summum bonum?
The supreme good whereby we do good and it brings happiness for all.
Kant argued you cannot attain the summum bonum if you are simply acting morally to reach it. You must be acting out of good will, not just to attain a goal.
What are the three postulates?
Freedom, immortality, God
How do the three postulates link to the idea of the summum bonum?
The three postulates can explain to an individual why they should act morally as being moral is rational.
This helps people to reach the summum bonum.
Freedom: three postulates
You can’t make a moral decision without freedom as this helps us to discover our duty.
‘For if the moral law commands that we ought to be better human beings…we must be capable of being better human beings’
Immortality: three postulates
The summum bonum cannot be found in this life hence there must be another life where this is found.
Happiness cannot be found in this world as there is injustice everywhere.
God: three postulates
If the summum bonum cannot be achieved in this life, there must be a God so that there can be an afterlife.
How does Kant’s reliance on ‘ought implies can’ create a problem for his line of reasoning?
Just because we ought to do something, it does not mean that we can do it.
Why does Kant think that it is important that we respect autonomy?
Each of us have the power of reason within us, we should respect this.
Why is it important that Kant believes in a fixed human nature?
He believes that we all reason in one way therefore we conclude the same things about catagorical imperatives.
What does barth believe about reason?
Reason can often be insufficient, especially when helping to understand God.
Is Kantian ethics a helpful method for making moral decisions?
Categorical imperatives are supposed to prevent bad moral maxims from being made.
Treating people as an end rather than a means to an end maintains the view that all life is precious.
BUT
Pojman acknowledges how not all categorical imperatives are successful - ‘whenever it looks like one should experience more pain than pleasure, one should kill oneself’. Kant opposes suicide but his categorical imperatives do not.
When exceptions need to be made, Kant’s categorical nature falls apart.
Are Kantian ethics too abstract to be applied to practical moral decision making?
Idealised concept of morality - humans cannot remove themselves from their emotions as they are imperfect.
Kant focuses on unrealistic principles - when faced with a no win situation his ethic becomes unhelpful.
BUT
Ethical systems based on emotions may fall apart as they can justify selfish conduct.
Should ethical judgement be based on the extent to which duty is served?
Kant believes that we should act out of pure motives - this is a strong view of morality yet too idealise din difficult situations.
Human beings are naturally faliable and conflicted with emotions.
Should intentions be prioritised over our love and happiness.
Does Kantian ethics wrongfully reject the importance of other factors such as love?
Feelings often motivate moral actions which is hard to ignore - eg, you would naturally want to save your own child before someone else’s when there is a threat posed.
BUT
People may become corrupt and immoral by favouring people they like.
Morals are arguably important as they allow people to look beyond familial and friendship relations.
General strengths of Kantian ethics
It is logical - based on ability to reason.
Ability to make objective moral decisions.
Kant sees all humans as having intrinsic value and dignity.
It promotes equality and the idea that all people should be treated equally.
It allows for freedom and autonomy.
