Kantian ethics Flashcards
Deontological nature - what does this mean?
Concerned with duty rather than consequence.
Which three things must exist?
God, freedom, immortality.
Objects to what approach?
Hypothetical imperative. ‘If I want I ought to do’
What is the categorical imperative?
Based on good will; actions are intrinsically carried out based on this - ‘I ought to do’, similarly ‘I ought to give correct change’.
DUTY.
In universalisability, what is the first formulation?
‘Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law’
/An act we do must be able to be applied universally.
What is the second formulation?
‘So act as to treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of any other, never solely as means but always as an ends’.
/We must never use somebody but treat them as an ends in themselves.
What is the third formulation?
The kingdom of ends
`‘Act as if a legislating member in the universal kingdom of ends’
/Treat all people as if they are rational human beings.
Why can ‘doing our duty’ pose problems?
Following categorical imperative is not always easy - duty does not always accord with happiness.
People need happiness, and with this will be more happy to do their duty - the two could juxtapose each other.
What was Kant’s view on this ‘happiness’ type complex?
Happiness in itself is not the answer, but being worth of happiness is.
What is the Summum Bonum and how does it help the theory?
To solve this happiness complex, Kant postulates the existence of God and morality.
He suggests that in the ‘next world’ there is no conflict between duty and happiness, and they are part of the natural harmony of purposes created by God. This highlights the importance of immortality.
(Basic premise of many religions)
What are the criticisms?
Not particularly applicable - says what type of actions are good but doesn’t explain situational fluctuation.
Only works if we all accept freedom, God and immortality.
Conflict between duties - which one takes precedence.
Individual cases ignored - stealing drugs to keep your son alive etc.
What is MacIntyre’s criticism?
Emphasis on ‘duty’ suggests that an action is made moral by the intention; yet it is not always possible to separate intentions from ends.
Our motives are rarely pure practical - bias factors in massively, and therefore this idea of ‘duty’ is quite cold, and requires a disconnect.
What was W.D Ross’ stance on Kantian Ethics?
Exceptions to duties should be allowed - called them prima facie duties (duties at first sight).
What prima facie duties did W.D Ross list?
Fidelity, reparation, gratitude, justice, benevolence, self-improvement, and non-malevolence. Exceptions to any rule given the situation.
Downfall to W.D Ross’ viewpoint?
Ross doesn’t explain how we’ll know what prima facie duty is.
