Kant

• Why is Kant's theory deontological?

  It is based on duty; to obey the moral law
• What does Kant mean by ought implies can?

  It is not our duty to do things we cannot or are unable to carry out. Moral law states what we 'ought' to do. Moral statements are telling us what action we 'ought' to do. The fact that we ought to do something implies that it is possible to do it
• What is the supreme good?

  Humans seek an ultimate end, the summum bonum, a state of happiness. It is impossible to achieve this in one lifetime, so our souls must be immortal to succeed.
• Why is Kant's argument a priori synthetic?


  We cannot prove moral statements through experience, so they must be a priori. But moral statements may be right or wrong, so they are also synthetic
• What is the highest form of good according to Kant?

  Good will
• What does Kant say about performing a moral act out of desire for a good consequence?

  It is a selfish act and is not a morally good action. We should do it for the duty itself, rather than the consequences
• Does Kant allow lying?

  No. If a murderer asked us whether our friend was hiding in our house, Kant insists we must be honest
• What does Kant say about emotion in moral decision making?

  We must not act out of emotion because ethics is based on reason. We should out of duty not to create the most pleasure
• What is the categorical imperative?

  Kant's statement of the basic moral principle by which we determine what we ought and ought not to do.
• What are the three principles to categorical imperatives?

  1) the universal law

  2) treat humans as ends in themselves

  3) act as if you live in a kingdom of ends
• What is the universal law?

  Moral laws must be applied in all situations and to all rational beings universally without exception
• What is an example of what not do?

  Justify stealing for one person. Rules must apply to all
• What does Kant say exceptions to universal law would do?

  Harm someone and have an overall eroding effect upon society
• What is an example Kant offered for universal law?

  Imagine I want to get money from someone promising them I will pay them back, but in truth I have no intention in paying it back. The universal law for this act would be impossible. 'Make false promises whenever you want' is not acceptable
• Why does Kant say to treat humans as ends in themselves?

  According to Kant, you should never use humans as a means to an end. You should never exploit them. Humans are rational and highest point of creation, and so demand a unique treatment. All human beings should be given the same moral protection. There can be no using an individual for the sake of many - such as in utilitarianism
• What does Kant mean by act as if you live in the kingdom of ends?

  A union of all people acting rationally in accordance with a universal law. Kant required all moral statements to be such as if you, and everyone else, were treating each other as ends. You must treat all equally. Eg you can't have a rule that says 'I may lie as all others lie'. You must act towards society
• Strength: duty

  Makes a distinction between duty and inclination. We may be inclined to do what benefits others individually, but morality is more than our personal preference
• Weakness: duty


  Sometimes in war it is necessary to sacrifice a few for the many
• Strength: everyone is equal

  Corrects the utilitarian view that the minority can suffer or be ignored in favour of the majority. You cannot promote happiness if that happiness undermines others
• Weakness: everyone is equal

  Can every rule be universal? Are any two moral dilemmas the same?
• Strength: humans have intrinsic worth

  Humans can only be treated as an end. They are not expendable; they cannot be enslaved or exploited. Humans have value
• Weakness: humans have intrinsic worth

  Kant places too much emphasis on reason. Love and intuition is considered to be a key feature of humanity adn what should motivate us
• Strength: love is not considered

  Love should not be considered because it is emotional and emotions sway people and wrong decisions are made as a result. Love at times is self serving and doesn't always seek the happiness of others
• Strength: love is not considered

  Can universalism work? Using reductio ad absurdum we can demonstrate that it cannot. For example, how would you universalise 'All people called joe who are unemployed should rob a bank on Tuesday