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Questions and Answers
What does deontology claim?
What does deontology claim?
Deontology believes that morality is a matter of duty and that actions are right or wrong in themselves, not depending on their consequences.
Define deontology.
Define deontology.
The study of what one must do, claiming that actions are right or wrong in themselves, regardless of consequences.
What are the two classes of duties?
What are the two classes of duties?
General duties we have towards anyone, which are mostly prohibitions, and specific duties we have because of our personal relationships.
How does deontology differ from utilitarianism?
How does deontology differ from utilitarianism?
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Why is the relation between intention and action important in deontology?
Why is the relation between intention and action important in deontology?
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What, according to Kant, is a maxim?
What, according to Kant, is a maxim?
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What is morality to Kant?
What is morality to Kant?
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What is 'the will'?
What is 'the will'?
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What does Kant argue is the fundamental principle of morality?
What does Kant argue is the fundamental principle of morality?
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What is Kant's argument about the good will?
What is Kant's argument about the good will?
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Explain the 'good will' in terms of duty.
Explain the 'good will' in terms of duty.
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Explain the 'good will' in terms of motives.
Explain the 'good will' in terms of motives.
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Study Notes
Deontological Ethics Overview
- Deontology emphasizes morality as a matter of duty, evaluating actions based on their inherent rightness or wrongness, regardless of outcomes.
- The Greek term "deon" means 'one must', highlighting the obligation aspect of deontological ethics.
Types of Duties
- General duties include prohibitions like lying and murder, as well as obligations such as helping those in need.
- Special duties arise from personal relationships, such as parental responsibilities or the duty to fulfill promises.
Duty vs. Goodness
- Deontology prioritizes personal duties over the pursuit of maximizing overall good, contrasting with utilitarianism.
- Individuals should focus on their own responsibilities rather than solely on the consequences of their actions.
Intention and Action
- Choices define actions, and understanding intentions is crucial for moral assessment.
- Actions with different intents, such as premeditated murder versus self-defense, are judged differently in deontological ethics.
Kantian Maxim
- A maxim is a personal principle influencing decision-making, akin to having a guiding goal or value.
- Kantian ethics posits that all actions are driven by underlying maxims.
Definition of Morality
- To Kant, morality consists of universal principles applicable to everyone, forming a consistent ethical framework.
Concept of 'The Will'
- 'The will' refers to our capacity for rational decision-making, which distinguishes human actions from mere instinctual behavior.
Fundamental Principle of Morality
- Kant's foundational moral principle states: "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
The Good Will
- The 'good will' is the only quality that is considered morally good 'without qualification', independent of outcomes.
- Happiness must be evaluated through the lens of morality, where a good will is a prerequisite for deserving happiness.
'Good Will' and Duty
- A good will is characterized by actions motivated by duty, without aiming for specific outcomes since ends cannot be universally deemed good.
Challenge of Defining Duty
- A philosophical dilemma arises regarding how to ascertain one's duty if it cannot be clearly defined, creating complications in understanding the nature of a good will.
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Description
Explore the foundational concepts of Kantian deontological ethics with these flashcards. Understand the principles of duty, morality, and the importance of intention behind actions, independent of their consequences. Perfect for studying key ethical theories.
