Kantian Deontological Ethics Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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.

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?

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?

Deontology focuses on compliance with one's duties and intentions, rather than maximizing overall good. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the relation between intention and action important in deontology?

Intention determines the type of action performed, and whether it is judged as right or wrong. Signup and view all the answers

What, according to Kant, is a maxim?

A personal principle that guides our decisions. Signup and view all the answers

What is morality to Kant?

A set of principles that are the same for everyone and apply to everyone. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'the will'?

'The will' is our ability to make choices and decisions based on reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

What does Kant argue is the fundamental principle of morality?

'Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.' Signup and view all the answers

What is Kant's argument about the good will?

Only the good will can be morally good 'without qualification', and it is not judged by the results it produces. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the 'good will' in terms of duty.

The good will is motivated by doing one's duty simply because it is one's duty. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the 'good will' in terms of motives.

A problem arises in determining how we know what it is to do one's duty if we cannot define what one's duty is. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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.