Kantian Ethics

Question 1

Explain intrinsic goods

Answer 1

something worthwhile not because it leads to something else, but for its own sake alone

Question 2

Explain Extrinsic goods

Answer 2

It tends to stress the external observance of laws and precepts, with lesser concern for the ultimate principles underlying moral conduct

Question 3

Define good will

Answer 3

The only thing that is good without qualification is the good will

Courage, health, and wealth can all be used for ill purposes and therefore cannot be intrinsically good.

Good will is an intrinsic good

Question 4

Define The Categorical Imperative

Answer 4

The supreme principle of morality that can be universally applied and helps everyone fulfill their duty

A deontological rule or guideline

Question 5

Explain The Hypothetical Imperative

Answer 5

State that “you ought to do something if… you want to be happy/ avoid pain/ e.t.c

certain rules we follow if we want to achieve particular results

Question 6

Universal Law of Nature

Answer 6

• our moral rules must be capable of being universal

- Rules should apply to everyone

Question 7

The end itself

Answer 7

• people should not used others as a means to an end

Question 8

The Kingdom of Ends

Answer 8

• people should act as if their behaviour is setting the laws in an ideal kingdom

Question 9

Kant’s understanding of moral knowledge

Answer 9

Knowledge we have at first hand (a priori)

• We do not need experience to know what is right and wrong
• Moral knowledge comes from within
• Synthetic

Question 10

Kant’s examples of duties

Answer 10

• not making false promises
• avoiding drunkenness
• pursuing the greater good

Question 11

Kant’s 3 postulates

Answer 11

Freedom
- we are all free to make moral decisions

Immortality

• good people should be rewarded with ultimate happiness
• This is the highest good (summum bonum)

God
- Kant assumes there must be a God to bring about the afterlife and to ensure that justice is done

Question 12

Strengths

Answer 12

• Idea of moral absolutes might be appealing
• categorical imperative dose not leave people wasting time wondering. Rule are rules
• Recognises dignity and worth of other human beings

Question 13

Weaknesses

Answer 13

• seen as cold and lacking in compassion
• kant fails to reognise importance of human emotion
• kant doesnt tell us what to when duties conflict
• religious believers might think that Kant seems to give human reson a more important place in morality than God