Module 7 - Kantian Ethics

Question 1

Kantian Ethics

Answer 1

ethical theory that is driven by a moral principle that Kant called the Categorical (done for its own sake) Imperative (order/command) which functions as its bridge statement
Bridge statement:
act is right iff the act is consistent with one of three Kantian values (corresponding to the three formulations of the categorical imperative, 1. universalizability, human dignity, and autonomy) with moral command or rule followed for its own sake/not the sake of something else = Categorical Imperative.
Kantian Ethics is thought to be completely independent of consequences
Moral standard = good will (you must mean to do good, you cannot be forced, it would not be good will if u didnt want to do it)

Question 2

Immanuel Kant

Answer 2

1724-1804. 18 cent. prussian philosopher

Question 3

Formulations (3) of Categorical Imperative

Answer 3

1. orders us to do only which acts which everyone else could at the same time do without the act becoming self-defeating
2. orders us to treat everyone, including ourselves, as ends and never only as means to ends (means to ends = using someone for some purpose). Treat others as the purpose of our actions, not as a way to get to the purpose
3. orders us to respect everyone’s autonomy. We must allow someone to choose to do wrong

Question 4

goodwill

Answer 4

one that intends to obey the Categorical Imperative. Intent to act with Kantian values

Question 5

If act is consistent with one of kantian values, then…

Answer 5

it is consistent with the other two values

Question 6

kantian values (3)

Answer 6

universalizability, human dignity, autonomy

Question 7

Theoretical Criticism of Kantian Ethics

Answer 7

it may not be as independent of consequences that Kant had thought

Question 8

Kantian ethics came before utilitarianism and John Stewart Mill (who helped develop utilitarianism) critiqued kantian ethics

Answer 8

“An act that is self-defeating, and hence, not universalizable, is only so because it produces consequences in total that no one would choose to accept”. Meaning that Kant’s theory is reducable to consequences (even tho Kant said it was independent)

Question 9

Practical Criticism of Kantian Ethics

Answer 9

does Kantian ethics require us to apply the categorical imperative to acts or types of acts. We dont know what kant wanted.