Key ideas - Kant Flashcards
What did Kant believe
believed that there were absolute moral rules that could be worked out rationally; these moral rules apply in all situations. His ethical theory is absolutist and unlike other rule based, he does not rely directly on God.
What is Kant’s theory
Deontological = focused on action
Kant’s quote on Good Will
“Good will shines like a precious jewel”
Kant argues outcome
does not matter what matters is the aim to do the right thing “Duty’s for duty’s sake”
What is duty not according to Kant
Doing the right thing out of self interest
Doing the right thing out of inclination (sometimes giving to charity sometimes not)
What are irrelevant when doing duty
Emotions and possible consequences
Contemporary example of duty
Policewoman. Duty to intervene when she sees a crime regardless of thinking she may not succeed or whether she feels like it
What is the hypothetical imperative
Moral obligation that is dependent upon desiring the goal in question
What is the categorical imperative
Unconditional moral obligation that we are able to work out using reason
What does Kant do to offer about making decisions
3 formulations
What are the 3 formulations
Universal law, persons as ends and Kingdom of ends
What is universal law
Universality - principle that we should only carry out acts that we are able to will as a law for everyone at all times. No one can be the exception
What is persons as ends
Kant believes that human beings are rational and and autonomous. We cannot use people and should treat otehrs with dignity and respect
What is kingdom of ends
Hypothetical state People always act according to the moral rules and treat others as ends. Act based on society rather than how it is
Key quote about ends
“Act in such a way that you always treaty humanity never simply as a means but always at the same time as an end”
