Kantian Ethics

Question 1

KE Classes:

Answer 1

Absolutist
Deontological
Rationalist/a bit empiricist
A priori
Synthetic

Question 2

A priori synthetic:

Answer 2

An ethical statement can be both a priori and synthetic because the knowledge can come from pure reason, but it needs external verification to be proven true. A moral statement is moral because it is rational, unconditional, unchanging and presupposed freedom.

Question 3

Good will and duty:

Answer 3

Only intended, willed actions count, and good will has value in itself, opposite to Hume’s morality based on desire, and similar to Aquinas’ innate good nature. ood will also chooses duty for duty’s sake. There’s no moral worth in the happiness that comes from doing good,

Question 4

Hypothetical and categorical imperatives:

Answer 4

Hypothetical imperatives don’t apply to everyone, and only need to be obeyed to reach a certain goal - if you want this, then do that - they’re optional, and aimed at personal well-being.
Categorical imperatives are moral commands that don’t depend on anything, apply to everyone, and come from objective, a priori reasoning.

Question 5

KE Formula 1:

Answer 5

Formula of the law of nature - whether stuff can be universalised. If you can want everyone to behave in the way you are without there being a contradiction, go for it

Question 6

KE Formula 2:

Answer 6

Formula of end in itself - never treat people as a mere means, always as an end in themself, because we are all rational creatures so we all have intrinsic value.

Question 7

KE Formula 3:

Answer 7

Formula of a kingdom of ends - act as if everyone else is an end, and a free autonomous agent. Everyone is making rules and following the rules because they all come from reason, and any action that ignores the dignity of someone to acheive its end is wrong.

Question 8

First postulate of practical reason:

Answer 8

God. There needs to be a reward for acting in the name of duty, although that shouldn’t be our aim - act to be worthy of it

Question 9

Second postulate of practical reason:

Answer 9

Immortality - there must be an afterlife for God to reside in and for us to recieve the reward in

Question 10

Third postulate of practical reason:

Answer 10

We must be free to choose the good option, or there’s no point

Question 11

KE Strengths:

Answer 11

Straightforward, based on reason, clear criteria, universal, actions have moral value, duty not feelings, fair, people have instrinsic worth, was the basis for human rights

Question 12

KE Weaknesses:

Answer 12

Abstract, not easily applied, doesn’t give any specific direction, you can make the action specific enough that you can universalise anything, can’t always separate intention from ends, motives aren’t always pure, duty above feelings may be cold, severs morality from everyday life, ignores consequences, only works if everyone follows it, depends on God

Question 13

W.D Ross:

Answer 13

Altered the theory a bit - exceptions should be allowed - prima facie duties. These can be outweighed by other ones. Fidelity, reparation for harm, gratitude, justice, beneficence, self-improvement and non-maleficence