Kantian Ethics Flashcards
Kant’s “Ultimate Good”
being perfectly rational
Humans are fundamentally rational (thats what makes humans above other animals)
Humans can therefore achieve the ultimate good
Humans should not be sidetracked by intuition or feelings
Key Features of Kantian Ethics
Deontological: Duty-based ethics, focusing on the morality of actions rather than consequences.
Moral Law: Derived from reason and universal principles, not emotions or inclinations.
Good Will: The only intrinsically good thing; actions must stem from good intentions.
Summum Bonum
The ultimate end (highest good), combining virtue and happiness, achievable in the afterlife.
Categorical imperative
Only act according to the maxim that you can be sure it is universal
it denotes an absolute, unconditional requirement that must be obeyed in all circumstances by everyone
4 actions with no contradictions
> telling the truth
keeping promises
helping others in need
respecting others rights
contradiction of contraception
“I will use contraception”
what would happen if everyone used contraception?
human race ceases to exist
not a viable option
Second adaptation of the categorical imperative
Humans must be treated with respect. Disrespectful to kill. No murder
Kant’s view on moral responsibility
is a fan of it.
believes humans are responsible for their own actions.
the freedom humans have from acting on instinct is what makes them different from animals
Kant believes certain actions are always wrong.
Kant’s belief on who rules work for
Rules cannot work for the individual, but work for all of society.
Reasons for Kant opposing Religion
Kant finds tension between moral principles and religious ideas
Religious are influenced by historical time. Not universal
Humans can determine moral law with their own instincts
Doesn’t like salvation through grace- not behaviour
humans can make moral decisions without God
Kant’s support of Religion
He says Jesus was the perfect model for moral behaviour. he believed Jesus achieved perfect morality
Kant says the best way to promote ethical laws is through the church
Kant says God must exist due to the way people behave
Kant’s 2 realms
Phenomenal:
Realm of animals driven by natural instinct
Noumenal:
Realm of Gods and angels driven by reason
Kant’s worldview
2 realms. A physical and one made of ideas
The material world is battling with the idea world.
Humans inhabit both
Humans should aim to inhabit the nominal realm but are confused by the influences that come from their instincts in the physical world
Strengths of Kantian Ethics
Morality is based on reason- straightforward
Corrects the utility principle that minority must suffer for majority to be happy
Aims to treat everyone justly
Weaknesses of Kantian Ethics
Kant neglects consequences and focuses only on right or wrong
Sometimes morally right actions are not universalizable
