Kantian ethics

• What does Kant mean by objective moral law?

  Using reason to determine right or wrong actions
• What is the definition of duty in Kantian ethics?

  Something we must do because of responsibility
• What is meant by good will in Kantian ethics?

  Our intention must be to do the right thing
• Did kant take a rationalist or empiricist approach to ethics?

  rationalist
• How did Kant say we could use reason

  To discover universal laws
• in what situations is the hypothetical imperative used ?

  Practical
• in what situations is the categorical imperative used in ?

  moral
• What is an imperative?

  Non-negotiable actions we must carry out
• give 2 negative criticisms of Kantian ethics

  • clashing duties - when individual has 2 duties to fulfill and can’t do both how do you know which one is right ?

  • unemotional - kants idea of morality and duty is incompatible with emotions as it’s impossible to make decisions without them
• explain the enlightenment

  A period of scientific discovery and advancements
• Why does every situation need different imperatives ?

  Because situations vary in their requirements
• What is Kants counterpoint for being unemotional? xao2

  emotions are unchanging and unreliable
• What does Kant mean by the Categorical imperative ?

  something we must do because it’s right to do
• What is a universal maxim according to Kant?

  actions everyone must follow
• Why can't breaking promises be universalized? - eg for formulation of universalism

  Because it contradicts the principle of morality
• What does the formulation of humanity mean?

  Humans should be prioritised in decision-making
• What is the kingdom of ends according to Kant?

  An ideal world where moral laws are respected
• What does Mill say Kant is blind to ? xao2

  Bad outcomes - too focoused on the right action that he would prevent a good outcome
• explain Kants view on the Axe Murder Analogy - xao2 (Mill)

  You shouldn’t lie as it’s wrong even if it leads to your friends death
• How does Ross idea of Prima Facie Duties support Kant ? +ao2

  prima facie - things appearing right at first sight

  therefore we do the right thing through reason
• Why is Kantian ethics compared to the legal system ? +ao2

  because if everyone was allowed to break laws due to ‘love’ we cant prosecute anyone
• Give 2 positive criticisms of Kantian ethics - ao2

  • consistency - creates consistent set of rules that’s clear

  • straightforward- easy to understand because we all know how we ought to act
• Give an example of the kingdom of the ends

  Don’t want to live in a world where murder is allowed
• explain the formulation of universalism

  Only actions that are moral can be universalised
• what are Kants 3 postulates

  1. Freedom/Autonomy
  2. Immorality
  3. God
• How was god viewed like during the enlightenment?

  irrational