Ethics- Ch 6

Kant's theory emphasizes three of morality's most important features:

(1) universality, (2) impartiality, and (3) respect for persons

According to natural law theorists, how can nature reveal anything about morality?

According to natural law theorists, nature can reveal thing about morality because nature is a certain way. Nature is rationally ordered, and goal directed with every part of it having a purpose. Nature is revealed how it should be.

In the doctrine of double effect, an action is permissible if:

the action is inherently either morally good or morally neutral, the bad effect is not used to produce the goods effect, the intention must always be to bring about the good effect, and the good effect must be at least as important as the bad effect.

doctrine of double effect

the principle that performing a good action may be permissible even if it has bad effects, but performing a bad action for the purpose of achieving good effects is never permissible; any bad effects must be unintended

means-ends principles

the rule that we must always treat people (including ourselves) as ends in themselves, never merely as a means

How does Kant distinguish between treating someone as a means and treating someone merely as a means?

Kant distinguishes between this by saying treating someone as a means is okay as long as you also treat them as ends, meaning respect them. Treating someone as merely a means would not be okay because you do not treat them as ends

What is the difference between perfect and imperfect duties?

Perfect duties are duties that have no exceptions. Imperfect duties are duties that have exceptions.

imperfect duty

a duty that has exceptions

perfect duty

a duty that has no exceptions

hypothetical imperative

an imperative that tells us what we should do if we have certain desires

categorical imperative

an imperative that we should follow regardless of our particular wants and needs; also, the principle that defines Kant's ethical system

An action is permissible if:

1) its maxim can be universalized 2) you would be willing to let that happen

What is the difference between a hypothetical and a categorical imperative?

A hypothetical imperative tells us what we should do if we have certain desires. A categorical imperative tells us we should do something in all situations regardless of our wants and needs. Hypothetical imperatives are done when you desire that specific outcome, but categorical imperatives are universal and unconditional

According to natural law theory, how are moral principles objective? How are they universal?

Moral principles are universal because general principles of right and wrong do not vary. But they are objective because the dynamics of each situation could alter how a principle is applied and not every situation has a relevant principle.

How can the absolutism of Kant's theory lead to judgements that conflict with moral common sense?

The absolutism leads to judgements that conflict with moral common sense by stating that there are no exceptions to these principles. Moral common sense is flexible and doesn't always make sense so some categorical imperatives like "do not lie" might not always be the best thing to follow in some instances.

How can the absolutism of natural law theory lead to moral judgements that conflict with moral common sense?

The absolutism of natural law theory can lead to moral judgements that conflict with moral common sense because some things that are absolutely wrong to the natural law theory could be the only plausible option in some situations.

What is the doctrine of double effect?

The doctrine of double effect is the principle that performing a good action may be permissible even if it had bad effects but performing a bad action to achieve good is never permissible

According to Aquinas, what is the good that human nature aims at?

The good that human nature aims at is the good of human flourishing and well-being.

What is the moral principle laid out in the first version of Kant's categorical imperative

The moral principle laid out in the first version of Kant's categorical imperative is that an action is right if you could will the maxim of an action to become a moral law applying to all people

What is natural law theory?

The natural law theory are the moral principles that we can "read" clearly in nature and human nature.

What is the significance of a "good will" in Kant's ethics?

The significance of a "good will" in Kant's ethics is doing a duty for that duty's sake and no other reason will make that duty right and good

How might the subjectivity of Kant's theory lead to the sanctioning of heinous acts?

The subjectivity can lead to the sanctioning of heinous acts when you personally would not want to live in a world that conforms with the universal moral rules in place.