Kantian Ethics Flashcards
What kind of theory is Kantian ethics?
An absolutist theory. Kant beelined as we all have a sense of ought, there must be absolute moral laws within the noumenal world which can be applied to the phenomenal world.
How does Kant believe we can access these universal moral laws?
By applying reason (a priori), as the noumenal world cannot be experienced by senses, so a posteriori knowledge cannot help us reach moral laws.
What does Kant dismiss?
The Hypothetical Imperative.
What is the hypothetical imperative?
Basing a moral decision in the intended outcome.
Uses the idea of if, then
‘If you want to do x, then do y’
Why does Kant reject the Hypothetical imperative?
It is not true moral reasoning because we all reach difference conclusions about what is good depending on the circumstances and our desired and emotions.
Moral reasoning would reach the same conclusion each time.
Moral laws must be universal.
What are categorical imperatives?
Laws that must be obeyed and apply to everyone whatever the circumstance
Which three ways does Kant suggest to test whether an action is a categorical imperative?
1) Can the action be universalised?
2) It is using persons as the ends in themselves?
3) Are our actions based in how society should be, or how it is? We should live as though we belong to a kingdom of ends.
What does it mean for an action to be universalised?
Applying the action to the rest of society. If society would work with it, then it is a moral action. If it would cause the downfall of society it is immoral.
For example, if lying was accepted as normal in society, then no body would be able to turgid each other, hence lying is immoral.
What is Kant’s lying promise example?
A man in debt ask to borrow money from a friend, knowing that he cannot pay him back. If he universalises this action, he realised society would fall apart because no body could turtle each other. He is also using the friend as a means to an end. Therefore, it is the man’s duty to tell his friend the truth which can be universalised, as this is how everyone ought to behave.
How does John Rawls develop Kant’s kingdom of ends?
With the idea of the ‘veil of ignorance’
He asks us to imagine a situation where we are making rules for a society before we know our place within it, (race, sexuality, gender, etc). There would be no homophobia or racism etc because we do not know if it would affect us.
How does Kant view Summum bonum?
The end product of all our dutiful, good actions. This does not happen in this life where virtue results in self sacrifice and suffering, so it must happen in an afterlife where vigour went happiness is united.
How does Kant believe we should treat others?
As an ends in themselves, rather than a means to an end
What does deontological mean?
Being concerned with the action rather than the consequences.
For what reason does Kant believe we should act
We should act out of duty
An action to have moral worth must be done from duty
Actions should not be done from emotions, only reason
Why was Kant so against lying?
By lying to someone you take away their autonomy and freedom to act
You are not respecting their dignity
How are categorical imperatives made?
They come from applications of reason from the moral law within
What are the maxims?
1) Can the action be universalised?
2) Is it treating people as end in themselves?
3) Is it based in how society ought to be? (Kingdom of ends)
Kant’s example of the butchers.
There are two butchers in a town.
One desires increased trade and profits, so he treats customers well.
The other treats his customers well because it is his duty.
The first has happiness, the second deserves happiness.
The first is using hypothetical imperatives, the second is using categorical.
The second butcher is moral
Kant’s lying promise example
A man in debt asks to borrow money from a friend, knowing he cannot pay him back.
If he universalises this action, he realises this would lead to a society where no one can be trusted.
He is also using his friend as a means
What is Kant’s axe murderer example?
An axe murderer asks someone where his friend is, knowing he will kill his friend.
If you told the truth and your friend is murdered you are not morally responsible
However, if you lied you are partially morally responsible. Lying is not universalisable
Of course, in a kingdom of ends there would be no axe murderer.
What are the three postulates?
- We have free will
- There is a god
- There is an after life (immortality)
What is the name of one of Kant’s key texts?
Groundworks
What is good will?
To act according to duty
What does Freud suggest about reason?
It is influenced by upbringing, which means decisions made by it would vary from person to person
