Lecture 5: Deontological Ethics Flashcards
What type of framework is this?
non-consequentialist
Deontology
the science of duty (rights)
What are deciding factors in deontology?
-right and wrong do not depend on the consequences so the right thing is more important than the good (good thing is less valuable than the right)
A rational human being will:
- not always follow our urges
- will follow principles
- acting from the correct principle involves going against our inclination (Kant)
What is the good will and what did Kant want to develop?
to develop a perfect maxim or principle that was devoid of all inclinations and would be applied to everyone
What is the Categorical Imperative I?
the maxim/principle that says act only on it through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law (people acting = agents); basically a fairness principle
We cannot act according to any maxim that:
fails this universalizing test
Perfectly Constrained
prohibited
Not Perfectly Constrained
not prohibited
If something does not fail the universal test it is:
not perfectly constrained
The universal test in CI1 produces 2 types of action:
prohibited (governed by constraints) and not prohibited
If the action is not prohibited it is:
- tolerated
- permitted (governed by prerogatives)
You cannot have a prerogative that violates:
a constraint
Prerogatives
an exclusive right or power held by an individual, permits you to act in ways that do not maximize the good and to act from reasons stemming from personal perspective
What do prerogatives gives you permission for?
to do what would be morally questionable or wrong for others to do
