Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What kind of argument is Kant’s?
Deontological - focuses on actions and intentions, not outcomes.
What was one concern of intellectuals like Kant during the European enlightenment period?
The problem of religious conflict.
What solution did Kant propose to base morality on?
Reason.
What does Kant believe grounding morality on reason allows for?
The potential for agreement.
What is a categorical imperative?
An imperative that states what we should do in all cases. You must, you should, you will
What is a hypothetical imperative?
An imperative that states what we should do to achieve certain goals. I do x in order to achieve y.
Kant rejects hypothetical imperatives because they are dependent on _______.
Personal goals/desires/wants.
What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?
Only do an action if it is universalizable.
Give an example of an action that is not universalizable.
Stealing or littering.
What is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?
Formula of the end in itself - Always treat persons as ends in themselves, never merely as means.
What is the third formulation of the categorical imperative?
Formula of the kingdom of ends - Act as if you were part of a society where everyone was following Kant’s ethics.
What is a ‘good will’ according to Kant?
A will that acts out of a sense of duty.
What are the three postulates Kant believes are necessary for ethics?
- Free will
- Immortality of the soul (afterlife)
- God
What does Kant mean by ‘summum bonum’?
The reward in the afterlife for virtuous people.
According to Kant, why is free will essential for moral responsibility?
It separates us from animals and explains moral accountability. Hick said we must have free will in order to love God, as love cannot be forced!
What is an example of clashing duties according to Sartre?
A soldier choosing between going to war or staying home to care for a sick parent.
What does Kant say about perfect duties?
They have only one means of fulfillment.
What is the difference between perfect and imperfect duties?
Perfect duties have one way to fulfill them, while imperfect duties have multiple options.
Why does Kant argue that imperfect duties do not truly clash?
There are multiple ways to fulfill them.
What criticism does Michael Stocker have of Kant’s ethics?
Acting out of duty excludes acting out of virtuous habits like friendliness or love.
What is Barbara Herman’s interpretation of Kant’s view on emotions?
Emotions can only lead to right actions by luck.
What does Kant argue about the reliability of emotions in ethical motivation?
Emotions are transient and unreliable.
Which philosopher argued that we can develop good emotional and behavioral habits?
Aristotle.
What is the ‘murderer at the door’ scenario?
A situation where a murderer asks for the location of their victim.
What does Benjamin Constant argue regarding the truth in the ‘murderer at the door’ scenario?
We should lie to protect the victim.
What is Kant’s stance on the consequences of our actions?
We cannot control consequences, so they are irrelevant to moral decision-making.
What does Kant claim about moral responsibility in relation to consequences?
We cannot be responsible for consequences we cannot control.
What is a counterargument against Kant’s view on consequences?
We can control consequences to some degree and should consider them.
Kant’s ethics are criticized for violating our _______.
Moral intuitions.
What is an example of failing to following the categorical imperatives?
The example of the shopkeeper and saviour siblings.
What Is a quote for good will from Kant?
Good will “shines forth like a precious jewel.”
What is a quote for Maxims from Kant?
“Act only according the maxim by which you can at the same time that it should become a universal law.”
