Kantian Ethics

• What is the main focus of Kantian ethics?


  Kantian ethics focuses on basing morality on reason.
• Why does Kant believe morality should be based on reason?


  Because it can create a harmonious society where everyone can agree about morality.
• What does Kant believe about discovering a universal moral law?


  Kant believes we can discover it through reason and it is our duty to follow it.
• What is the good will according to Kant?

  The good will is one that has the right moral motivation.
• How should we perform our duties according to Kant?

  We must perform our duties out of a sense of duty, not personal feelings or desires.
• What is the difference between hypothetical and categorical imperatives?

  Hypothetical imperatives depend on personal goals, while categorical imperatives are absolute duties.
• What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?

  Only do an action if it is universalizable, meaning everyone could do it.
• Why can't everyone steal according to Kant's ethics?

  If everyone stole, there would be no property, and thus no one could steal.
• Why can't everyone lie according to Kant's ethics?

  If everyone lied, there would be no honesty or trust, and thus no one could lie.
• What is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?

  Always treat persons as ends in themselves, never merely as means to an end.
• What is the third formulation of the categorical imperative?


  Act as if you were part of a society where everyone follows Kant's ethics.
• What is a strength of Kantian ethics?

  • Ethical clarity
  • Precise rules and methods
  • Engages individual autonomy
• What is a weakness of Kantian ethics according to Sartre?


  • Duties can clash
  • Example: A soldier must choose between going to war or caring for a sick parent
• What are 'imperfect duties' in Kantian ethics?


  Imperfect duties are those where there are multiple ways to fulfill them.
• How does Kant respond to the claim that duties can clash?


  Kant argues that one can find a way to fulfill both duties, so they don't really clash.
• What is Kant's view on the moral value of emotions?


  Kant believes emotions are unreliable and that moral actions should be based on duty.
• What is Stocker's critique of Kant's view on emotions?

  Stocker argues that acting out of duty can seem unnatural and lacks genuine moral motivation.
• What does Bernard Williams argue against Kant's ethics?


  Williams argues that Kantian morality is unnatural and requires "one thought too many."
• How does Aristotle's view on emotions differ from Kant's?

  Aristotle believes we can cultivate good emotional habits, making emotions reliable in moral situations.
• What is a strength of Kant's critique of consequentialism?

  • Highlights the unpredictability of consequences
  • Emphasizes moral responsibility based on actions, not outcomes
• What is the 'murderer at the door' scenario?


  It is a critique of Kant's ethics where a murderer asks for the location of their victim.
• How does Kant respond to the 'murderer at the door' scenario?


  Kant argues that we cannot control consequences, so we cannot be responsible for them.
• What is a flaw in Kant's logic regarding consequences?


  Kant's logic is flawed because we can control consequences to some degree and should consider them ethically.
• Why is Kant's defense of his ethics considered unsuccessful?

  • We can predict and control consequences to some degree
  • It is reasonable to act with consequences in mind
• What is the main principle of Kant's ethics regarding moral actions?

  We must do our duty out of a sense of duty, not personal feelings or desires.
• What does Kant mean by 'categorical imperatives'?


  Categorical imperatives are commands that must be followed in all situations, regardless of personal feelings.
• How does Kant view the equality of all individuals in terms of morality?

  Kant believes everyone is equal because we all have reason and goals, so morality must apply to everyone equally.
• What is the implication of an action being universalizable in Kant's ethics?


  If an action is not universalizable, it cannot be part of the universal moral law.
• What does Kant say about treating people as mere means?


  Kant states it is wrong to treat people merely as means to an end; they should be treated as ends in themselves.
• What does Kant argue about actions done out of emotion?

  Kant argues that actions done out of emotion cannot be considered morally good.
• How does Kant's view on emotions relate to moral actions?

  Kant believes that moral actions must be based on duty rather than emotions, which are unreliable.
• What is the significance of cultivating virtue according to Aristotle?


  Aristotle argues that cultivating virtue allows us to develop reliable emotional habits that can guide moral actions.
• What does Kant believe about the relationship between duty and personal feelings?


  Kant believes that duty should not be influenced by personal feelings or desires.
• How does Kant's ethics address the issue of moral responsibility?

  Kant's ethics emphasize that we are responsible for our actions based on the moral law, not the consequences.
• What is the role of reason in Kant's ethical framework?

  Reason plays a crucial role in determining moral actions and understanding our duties.
• How does Kant's view on morality differ from consequentialist views?

  Kant's view focuses on the morality of actions themselves, while consequentialism considers the outcomes of those actions.
• What does Kant argue about the predictability of consequences?

  Kant argues that we cannot predict or control consequences, which is why they should not factor into moral decision-making.
• What is the implication of Kant's belief that we cannot control consequences?

  Kant implies that we should focus solely on the action itself rather than the potential outcomes.
• How does Kant's ethics relate to the concept of autonomy?

  Kant's ethics engage the autonomy of individuals by allowing them to recognize the rationality of moral rules through their own reason.
• What does Kant believe about the universality of moral laws?

  Kant believes that moral laws must apply to everyone equally, as all individuals are rational beings.