Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What is the only truly good thing, according to Kant?
The only truly good thing is good will—having good intentions. Kant says, “good will shines like a precious jewel.”
Is Kantian ethics based on consequences?
No, Kantian ethics is deontological, meaning it focuses on the rightness of actions rather than their outcomes.
What does ‘duty for duty’s sake’ mean in Kantian ethics?
It means performing an action solely because it is the right thing to do, not for personal gain or emotional inclination.
What is Kant’s view on acting out of self-interest or inclination?
Acting out of self-interest (e.g., a shopkeeper charging fair prices just to maintain a good reputation) is not truly moral.
Acting out of inclination (e.g., giving to charity only when one feels like it) is also not a true moral duty.
What does Kant mean by autonomy?
Autonomy is the ability to use reason to determine moral rules without relying on external authority (like God or society).
What are maxims in Kantian ethics?
A maxim is a moral principle or rule that guides an action.
What is a hypothetical imperative?
A hypothetical imperative is a moral obligation that depends on a desired goal (e.g., “If you want to pass, study hard”).
What is a categorical imperative?
A categorical imperative is an unconditional moral rule that applies to everyone, regardless of the outcome (e.g., “Do not lie”).
What is the Universal Law formulation?
We should only act according to principles that we could rationally will to be universal laws (i.e., followed by everyone at all times).
How does the Universal Law formulation apply to stealing?
If everyone stole, society would become chaotic, making theft illogical and unacceptable as a universal law.
What does the ‘Persons as Ends’ formulation mean?
We must always treat others as ends in themselves (with dignity and respect), never merely as a means to an end.
What is an example of violating the ‘Persons as Ends’ formulation?
Using someone to make another person jealous (e.g., dating someone just to upset an ex).
What is the ‘Kingdom of Ends’ formulation?
A hypothetical society where all individuals act morally and treat others as ends.
According to Kant, should you lie to a murderer asking for a victim’s location?
No, because lying violates the universal law formulation, even if it leads to a better outcome.
Why does Kantian ethics reject considering consequences in moral decision-making?
Because we cannot control the consequences, only our actions, which must be based on duty.
What are Kant’s three postulates for morality to function?
Free will – We must have genuine freedom to choose between good and evil.
An afterlife – Morality requires the summum bonum (highest good), which must be achievable in the afterlife.
God exists – To ensure moral justice and the summum bonum.
Can Kant prove the three postulates?
No, he argues that they must be assumed for morality to exist.
What is a strength of Kantian ethics?
It provides clear, rational moral rules that are accessible to all without relying on external authority.
What is a major weakness of Kantian ethics?
It fails to resolve conflicts between duties (e.g., a soldier torn between duty to war and caring for a sick parent).
What was Benjamin Constant’s criticism of Kant?
Constant argued that in cases like the murderer at the door, lying seems more moral than telling the truth.
How does Kant respond to Constant’s criticism?
Kant insists that we cannot predict consequences and thus cannot base morality on them.
Why does Kant think emotions should not guide morality?
Emotions are unreliable and temporary, whereas reason is stable.
How does Michael Stocker criticize Kant’s view on emotions?
He argues that acting purely out of duty (e.g., visiting a sick friend only because it is your duty) makes morality seem cold and unnatural.
How do virtue ethicists challenge Kantian ethics?
They argue that good moral actions should come from habits and emotions, not just duty.
How does Kant respond to the criticism about emotions?
He argues that morality is about treating others as ends, not about whether emotions play a role.
