Kantian Ethics

• What is Kant's definition of Enlightenment?

  Emergence from self-imposed immaturity
• What problem did Enlightenment thinkers like Kant aim to solve?

  Disagreement among different faiths
• How did Kant propose to base religion and ethics?

  On reason, not faith
• What does Kant believe reason can lead to in society?

  A more harmonious society
• What does Kant think about faith-based morality?

  It pushes laws on people like children
• What does Kant mean by 'autonomy' in moral decision-making?

  Following moral laws through one's own reason
• What is the nature of Kant's ethics?

  Deontological, meaning duty-based
• What is the only thing Kant considers unconditionally good?

  A good will
• How does Kant define 'will'?

  As our intention
• What is required for a good will according to Kant?

  Acting purely out of a sense of duty
• What is the difference between hypothetical and categorical imperatives?

  Hypothetical is conditional; categorical is absolute
• What does Kant say about moral laws?

  They must be universal
• What is the test of universalizability?

  Whether everyone can act on a maxim
• What does Kant illustrate with the shopkeeper example?

  Intention determines the presence of a good will
• What is the only morally valid motivation for an action according to Kant?

  Respect for the moral law
• What does Kant argue about the consequences of actions?

  They cannot determine moral validity
• What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?

  Act only on maxims that can be universalized
• What does 'contradiction in conception' mean?

  It cannot be logically possible for everyone to act on it
• How does Kant view lying in terms of universalizability?

  Lying cannot be universalized
• What is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?

  Always treat persons as ends, not means
• What does Kant mean by 'kingdom of ends'?

  A world where everyone is treated as an end
• What are the three postulates Kant believes are necessary for ethics?

  God, immortality, free will
• What is the 'summum bonum' according to Kant?

  The highest good where good people are rewarded
• What does Kant mean by 'ought implies can'?

  We must be capable of doing our duty
• How does Kant differentiate between perfect and imperfect duties?

  Perfect duties have one way to fulfill them
• What is a criticism of Kantian ethics regarding clashing duties?

  It cannot provide clarity in conflicting situations
• What is Constant's criticism of Kant's ethics?

  It fails in the murderer at the door scenario
• How does Kant respond to the criticism of consequences in moral decision-making?

  Consequences cannot be controlled or relevant
• What is a weakness of Kant's approach regarding consequences?

  It goes against moral intuitions
• What do consequentialist theories like Utilitarianism claim?

  Moral rightness maximizes happiness
• What is the main strength of Kant's deontological approach?

  We cannot control consequences.
• Why does Kant argue we cannot be responsible for consequences?

  Because we cannot control them.
• What example does Kant use to illustrate responsibility for consequences?

  Lying about the victim's location.
• What is a weakness of Kant's approach regarding consequences?

  Consequences do have moral value.
• How does Kant's approach conflict with people's moral intuitions?

  It ignores terrible consequences of truth-telling.
• What do Consequentialist theories like Utilitarianism claim about moral obligation?

  Moral obligation is to maximize happiness.
• What does Bentham say about actions and pleasure?

  Actions have a tendency to produce pleasure.
• What does Singer suggest regarding maximizing utility?

  Act on a reasonable expectation.
• How does Kant fail to address the consequentialist position?

  He doesn't explain why consequences matter.
• What scenario challenges Kant's deontological ethics regarding consequences?

  A person deploying nuclear weapons.