Kants Formal Theory

Question 0

What does reason have to go on

Answer 0

The formal structure of the action it its internal logic

Not consq of actions/desires, but nature of action

Question 1

What does Kant believe

Answer 1

Morality doesn’t tell us what to do, it consists of categorical impetigo ds

Question 2

Categorical Imperative

Answer 2

Tells us what to do irrespective of our desires
-you should(n’t) do X no matter what

“Don’t steal cars”, not “if you want to stay out of prison then don’t steal cars”

Question 3

Formulation of the universal law of nature

Answer 3

1) formulate maxim that enshrines reason for action
2) recast maxim as universal law of nature governing all rational agents
3) consider if maxim is conceivable in world gov by law of nature
If yes 4) could you rationally will to act on maxim?
If yes then action is morally permissible

Question 4

universal law of nature:

Perfect duty

Answer 4

If maxim not conceivable

No excretion in favour of inclination to refrain from acting on it

Question 5

universal law of nature:

Imperfect duty

Answer 5

Fails rational will to act on maxim

Requiring you to pursue policy that can admit exceptions

Question 6

Perfect duty to ourselves

Answer 6

From self love to shorten life when longer duration is more evil

Fails test

Question 7

Perfect duty to others

Answer 7

When in want of money, borrow money and promise to repay although know it’s not poss

Makes promises worthless

=fails

Question 8

Imperfect duty to ourselves

Answer 8

Neglecting natural gifts

If nobody used gifts no doctors, scientists etc

Question 9

Imperfect duty to others

Answer 9

Duty to help others

Question 10

Formulation of humanity

Answer 10

Act in way you treat humanity as an end never as means

Respect for persons

Question 11

Formulation of the kingdom of ends

Answer 11

Act in accordance with the maxim of a member giving universal laws for a merely poss Kingdom of ends
Only act acc to principles that could be justified to the whole community or command their assets

Question 12

Acting against inclination

Answer 12

Only right things we do against inclination are praiseworthy

Perfectly rational beings could never experience conflict between moral desires and law

Question 13

Problems for kant: powerlessness before evil

Answer 13

Typically requires we honour values exclusively, not promote

We aren’t responsible for the outcomes once out actions are correct

Question 14

Problems for Kant: conflicting duties

Answer 14

Perfect duties can’t conflict

Perfect> imperfect duties

Question 15

Problems for Kant: gerrymandering

Answer 15

I will lie when it benefits me to do so

Undermines truth telling conditions and therefore forbidden

Question 16

Problems for Kant: spurious prohibitions

Answer 16

Some things fail contradiction on conception test which aren’t immoral

Withdrawing money from bank- if everyone did it, the system will collapse