Kantian Ethics: Duty and Good Will

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best captures Kant's view on the relationship between reason and morality?

  • Morality is a complex interplay of reason, feelings, and consequences, with no single element taking precedence.
  • Morality is culturally relative and cannot be universally determined by reason or any other singular faculty.
  • Morality is fundamentally grounded in reason, rather than feelings or consequences. (correct)
  • Morality is primarily based on feelings and consequences, with reason playing a secondary role.

According to Kant, what is the critical distinction between actions performed in accordance with duty and actions performed for the sake of duty?

  • Actions in accordance with duty adhere to the categorical imperative, whereas actions for the sake of duty follow hypothetical imperatives.
  • Actions in accordance with duty are motivated by empathy and have moral worth, whereas actions for the sake of duty are motivated by self-interest and lack moral worth.
  • Actions in accordance with duty are externally compelled and lack moral worth, whereas actions for the sake of duty are internally motivated by respect for the moral law and possess moral worth. (correct)
  • Actions in accordance with duty are those that follow legal obligations, whereas actions for the sake of duty concern only personal ethics.

What is the significance of willing a maxim to become a universal law within Kant's first formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-1)?

  • It ensures that the maxim aligns with the desires and inclinations of the majority, thus maximizing happiness.
  • It evaluates the potential consequences of universalizing the maxim, aiming to optimize overall societal outcomes.
  • It tests whether the maxim can be consistently applied to all rational beings without contradiction, ensuring its moral permissibility. (correct)
  • It determines whether the maxim is aligned with divine command, ensuring adherence to religious doctrine.

How does Kant differentiate between perfect and imperfect duties, and what is the implication of this distinction for moral action?

<p>Perfect duties must be followed at all times and in all cases, whereas imperfect duties allow for discretion in how and when they are fulfilled; this distinction influences practical moral decision-making. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what does it mean to treat someone as an end in themselves, according to the second formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-2)?

<p>To treat someone with respect, recognizing their inherent rationality and autonomy, and not merely as a means to achieve one's own goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of Kant's concept of the 'Kingdom of Ends' in his moral philosophy?

<p>It envisions a society where everyone treats each other as ends and not merely as means, adhering to universalizable maxims, creating a moral community. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most accurate interpretation of Kant's stance on the moral permissibility of suicide, given the principles of his ethical framework?

<p>Suicide is morally impermissible because it involves treating oneself as a mere means to end suffering rather than respecting one's inherent rationality and dignity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, if moral duties apply in all circumstances, what are the implications for situations involving conflicting duties, such as lying to protect someone from harm?

<p>While refraining from lying is a duty, lying involves intentional deceit, so there may be ways to avoid lying, such as remaining silent. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge posed by Philippa Foot's critique of Kant's ethics regarding the relationship between Categorical Imperatives and reason?

<p>Foot suggests that while morality consists of Categorical Imperatives, they may stem from shared cultural practices (etiquette) rather than reason. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant's theory, what implications does the emphasis on reason have for our moral obligations towards non-rational agents, such as animals?

<p>While we lack direct moral duties towards non-rational agents, Kant believes we should not mistreat them because it could lead to similar treatment of humans. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which accurately reflects Kant's view of moral worth?

<p>Moral worth stems from actions aligned with duty, motivated by respect for the moral law. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant use the term 'imperative' and what is it meant to represent within his ethical framework?

<p>An imperative is a command of reason; can be hypothetical (dependent on desires) or categorical (universal moral law). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How is 'good will' defined, with respect to Kant?

<p>The unconditional commitment to act in accordance with moral duty, irrespective of consequences or inclinations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kant's ethical theory, what role do consequences play in determining the morality of an action?

<p>Consequences are irrelevant; moral worth is determined by the intention and adherence to moral duty alone. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within the context of Kantian ethics, what does it mean for a maxim to be 'universalizable'?

<p>It can be consistently applied as a universal law without leading to logical contradiction or undermining its own possibility. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what is the relationship between inclinations, duty, and moral worth?

<p>Actions aligned with duty possess moral worth only if performed despite conflicting inclinations. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Kant, what distinguishes a 'categorical' imperative from a 'hypothetical' one?

<p>Hypothetical imperatives are conditional on desires, whereas categorical ones are unconditional moral commands (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant's philosophy of moral egalitarianism challenge traditional social hierarchies?

<p>It asserts the equal status and dignity of all rational beings, irrespective of social standing, race, or other arbitrary distinctions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What specific moral value plays a central role in Kant's ethical discussions?

<p>Rationality (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of 'maxims' in Kantian ethics, and how do they function in moral decision-making?

<p>Maxims are subjective principles or rules guiding actions, evaluated for moral permissibility. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What, according to Kant, is the relationship between law and morality?

<p>Moral principles, discoverable through reason, serve as the bedrock for evaluating and justifying legal systems. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When considering the moral implications surrounding lying, what conclusion would arise from Kant's perspective?

<p>Lying is inherently wrong as it undermines trust and violates the moral duty to treat others as ends in themselves. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Kant's theory on duties to the self?

<p>People have duties to themselves, including self-preservation and developing one's talents. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kantian ethics address the issue of moral progress and self-improvement?

<p>Individuals have a duty to cultivate their talents and work towards moral perfection, even if unattainable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Kantian philosophy, what significance is attributed to autonomy in moral decision-making?

<p>Moral actions should be guided by an individual's capacity for rational self-governance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'supreme principle of morality'?

<p>Categorical Imperative. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific components of the Categorical Imperative?

<p>Maxim, Universality, Humanity, and Autonomy (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does one decide on whether or not a maxim is permissible?

<p>Consider if it could become a universal law. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to treat someone as a means?

<p>To achieve personal goals. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Kant's moral theory relate to individual rights?

<p>Respects rights and relatedly, their dignity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What, according to Kant, is 'good will'?

<p>Acting from duty. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'Egalitarianism'?

<p>All are created equal. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean to say that Kant is a 'rationalist'?

<p>Kant thinks that we can gain knowledge via our rational capacities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In his moral theory, what does Kant mean by 'autonomy'?

<p>Self-governance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who was Philippa Foot?

<p>A critic of Kant. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When considering our duties, what is the role of intuitions?

<p>Intuitions are unreliable, therefore we should not rely on them. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Kant's view on right actions

Actions are right if they respect the Categorical Imperative.

Deontological theory

Focuses on duties rather than ends/goals/consequences.

The Good Will

Something that is good irrespective of effects.

Moral Worth

Acting for the sake of duty is the only way an action can have moral worth.

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Acting for the sake of duty

Act out of respect for the moral law

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Categorical Imperative

A command that people ought to follow irrespective of how they feel, or consequences.

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Hypothetical Imperatives

A command that depends on conditions.

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Maxim

A general principle or rule upon which we act.

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First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-1)

CI-1: Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.

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Perfect Duty

A maxim failing at (i) is what Kant calls a contradiction in conception, and failing at (i) means we are dealing with what Kant calls a perfect duty.

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Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-2)

Treat humanity always as an end and never merely as a means.

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Third Formulation of the Categorical Imperative (CI-3)

Third formulation of Categorical Imperative. Asks us to imagine a kingdom which consists of only those people who act on CI-1.

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Egalitarian

Theory blind to individual personal circumstances, race, gender and ethnicity.

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Study Notes

Introduction to Kantian Ethics

  • Immanuel Kant lived from 1724-1804 in Königsberg, East Prussia
  • Kant revolutionized how we perceive science, art, ethics, religion, self, and reality
  • Kant was a rationalist during the Enlightenment period (1685-1815)
  • Kant believed knowledge comes from senses and rational thought
  • Kant's philosophical approach starts by examining what we can know a priori
  • Kant's ethical works include Metaphysics of Morals (1797) and Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals (1785)
  • Kant's theory is deontological, emphasizing duties rather than consequences

Key Ideas

  • Moral actions are based on reason, not feelings or consequences
  • Human beings are moral due to rationality, which allows us to consider actions and motives

Duty

  • "Duty" refers to actions required irrespective of desires
  • Kant sought to define the supreme principle of morality via rational reflection

Good Will

  • A good will is good regardless of the outcome of actions
  • A good will is good unconditionally if willing is good alone (not other attitudes/consequences)
  • Kant uses Mahatma Gandhi's non-violent protests as an example of "good will" in action
  • Kant says actions from good will are acting for sake of duty (actions done despite other desires)
  • Actions have moral worth because you act out of duty

Acting for the Sake of Duty vs. Acting in Accordance with Duty

  • Kant says there is no moral worth when an action is motivated by empathy instead of duty
  • An action has moral worth if performed even without the desire to do so
  • The main question is what moved/motivated the agent to act

Categorical and Hypothetical Imperatives

  • To act for the sake of duty we must act from respect for moral law
  • Moral law according to Kant is what he calls the Categorical Imperative
  • An imperative is simply a command
  • A categorical imperative is followed regardless of feelings or consequences
  • Hypothetical imperatives depend on conditions
  • Moral "oughts" are categorical, applying irrespective of feelings
  • A maxim, relatively simple, is a general principle or rule upon which we act

The First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

  • Act only according to that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law
  • The "test" is if one can either conceive or will the maxim to become a universal law
  • If a maxim fails, there's no good reason to act on it and is morally impermissible, passing means morally permissible
  • It is not a way of determining what is and is not moral
  • Some maxims may be impossible or non-moral
  • A maxim must be able to be willed as a universal law.

Perfect and Imperfect Duties

  • A maxim failing means dealing with what Kant calls a perfect duty
  • A maxim failing is what Kant calls a contradiction in conception
  • A maxim is morally impermissible because we cannot universalize it
  • Failing means it is what Kant calls a contradiction in will, and dealing with what Kant calls an imperfect duty
  • Kant is asking about whether we can conceive of the maxim to become a universal law, not a form of Utilitarianism

Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

  • Act that you use humanity, in your own person as well as in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means
  • Kant believed CI-1 and CI-2 are the same but viewed from 2 different angles
  • Kant's theory shows respect for the dignity of people/rational agents
  • You should treat people with respect and dignity simply on the basis that they are rational agents
  • CI-2 does not say that you either treat someone as a means or an end, you can treat someone as an end by treating them as a means

Third Formulation of the Categorical Imperative and Summary

  • Combining CI-1 and CI-2 creates a kingdom which consists of only those people who act on CI-1
  • People would treat people as ends, because CI-2 passes CI-1, a "Kingdom of Ends"

Kant Thinks

  • Acts only have moral worth if carried out for the sake of duty
  • Agents act for the sake of duty if they act out of respect for the moral law, following the Categorical Imperative in one of its formulations
  • Acts are wrong and right universally, without consequences or desires; actions can be determined for ourselves by thinking rationally
  • Theory is radically Egalitarian because everyone is equal before the moral law as it is blind to personal circumstances/race, gender, ethnicity

Kant on Suicide

  • Kant believed suicide is always wrong
  • Kant says motives that drive suicide are "avoid evil" and one's love for one's self
  • Self-love leading to the destruction of the self is contradictory therefore people have a perfect duty to NOT commit suicide and is morally wrong
  • Kant believes in suicide, you are treating yourself as a mere means

Problems and Responses: Conflicting Duties

  • A duty to refrain from lying therefore means if you were hiding Jews you would have to reveal to the Nazi officer in Nazi, Germany?
  • No requirement to tell the truth, but requirement not to lie
  • Lying is about intentional deceit
  • You need to take the situation into account, and not mindlessly apply generic rules to the situation
  • Main point- theory is underspecified, fail to give guidance here in specific sorts of cases

Problems and Responses: The Role of Intuitions

  • Kant's theory is simply counter intuitive as lying is morally impermissible in all instances (even to save someone!)
  • Instead of using intuition as test, use rational/moral theory
  • Intuitions are notoriously fickle/unreliable

Problems and Responses: Categorical Imperatives and Etiquette

  • Morality/moral requirements due to reason; people reason rightly and recognize lying is wrong
  • Ethiquette rules seem to be Categorical Imperatives but are not grounded in reason
  • Categorical nature of moral "oughts" based on reason instead of shared/cultural practice

Problems and Responses: The Domain of Morality

  • The domain of morality is of reasons, all agents have/can have reasons, then we have duties/rights, and people ought to treat us with dignity
  • If humans are non-rational, rights don't apply and can be treated how you want
  • Scope of morality seems bigger than scope of reasons

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