Kantian Ethics - Key Words

Question 1

Autonomy

Answer 1

Belief that we are self-directed beings, the centre of our own worlds, making our own free choices

Question 2

A priori

Answer 2

Knowledge which is not dependant on sense experience

Question 3

Heteronomy

Answer 3

For Kant, the state of being directed by others in our decision-making

Question 4

Free will

Answer 4

The belief that we are able to make our own uncompelled choices in life

Question 5

Deontological Ethics

Answer 5

Any ethical system which ignores outcomes, concentrating just on whether the act is good in itself

Question 6

Hypothetical Imperative

Answer 6

What we must do to achieve a particular goal, there is no requirement to follow this, but it is how we should act if we wish to achieve something, the character of ‘…if … then…”

Question 7

Categorical Imperative

Answer 7

That which our reason teaches us always must be done, there are three forms of the imperative

Question 8

First form of the Categorical Imperative

Answer 8

Act only on that maxim that you can will to be universal law

Question 9

Second form of the Categorical Imperative

Answer 9

So act as to treat persons always as ends and never as means only

Question 10

Third form of the Categorical Imperative

Answer 10

So act as to treat everyone, including yourself, as an end in the kingdom of ends