Ethics Final Exam

rational beings

anything that acts on the basis of emotion and instinct not on basis of rational self-questioning and deliberation

What does Kant think makes a person worthy of happiness?

being a good person (might require sufferings) a good will

Kant's ethical theory is usually considered an example of what kind of ethical thinking (deontological or teleological)?

deontological

What are qualified goods?

gifts of nature are qualified goods, things that are used for good. gifts of nature that can also be used for bad and mischievous things.

3 primary formulations of the Categorical Imperative and meaning

1. The Formula of Universal Law: act on that maxim which you could choose to become a universal law. - act the way you would have others act 2. The Formula of Humanity: so act as to treat humanity whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as means only. - never treat ppl as objects nor yourself 3. The Formula of the Kingdom of Ends: every rational being must so act as if he were by his maxims in every case a legislating member in the universal kingdom of ends. - "complete expression" of the moral law - a combo of the first two formulas

What are the two types of qualified goods Kant mentions?

1. gifts of nature: any talent of the mind (intelligence, wit, judgement, etc) & qualities of temperament (courage, resolution, perseverance, etc) 2. gifts of fortune: power, riches, honor, health (can be used for bad things)

4 examples of duties Kant discuss in the FPMM & argument of each

1. suicide maxim: from self-love I adopt it as a principle to shorten my life when its longer duration is likely to bring more evil than satisfaction - the maxim cannot exist as a universal law of nature, it would be inconsistent with the supreme principle of all duty 2. lying promises - the promise would become meaningless 3. duty to help others - Man has a talent that with the help of culture could make him useful, but his is content in his ways. his maxim is neglecting his natural gift. He cannot possibly will that this should be a universal law, be as a rational being he wills that his faculties be developed since they serve him and have been given him, for all sorts of purposed 4. improve yourself a man who wishes to not contribute anything to his welfare or to his assistance in distress - if this were a ul the human race might very well subsist and betrays and cheats the rights of men. it is impossible that such a principle should have the universal validity of a law of nature

What is the one unqualified good? Why?

A good will: a good will is what's needed to direct other things to good purposes.

who said "Every argument must begin somewhere: it is the sign of an uneducated person that they don't realize this"

Aristotle

Categorical Imperative vs. Golden Rule

CI doesn't just focus on the relationship with other people but w/ yourself also. However, the GR is included in the CI. GR: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. CI is broader than the GR, he believes it prescribes duties toward one self as well.

categorical imperatives

Do _____. Don't do _____. EX: 10 commandments moral commands bc they are motivated by duty absolute/unconditional

The Formula of Humanity What does Kant mean when he says we should not treat rational beings merely as means?

FOH: so act as to treat humanity whether in thine own person or in that of any other, in every case as an end withal, never as means only. to respect people's freedom to choose, not forcing anyone to do anything 2 basic ways of violating this principle: force & deception > bc it takes away the other person's freedom to choose

hypothetical imperatives

If you desire _______, then do _______. (you don't have to do it if you don't want to) EX: wanting a burger (if you want a burger, then get one, if not then don't) conditional

On what basis would Kant decide whether or not an alien is a person?

Kant would decide an alien is a person if they have the capacity to have a will.

Whose statement of the Categorical Imperative does Dr. Reilly refer to as most eloquent?

Mahatma Gandhi: "You must be the change you want to see in the world."

which formulation does Kant usually use when discussing moral dilemmas?

The Formula of Humanity - he also refers to this as the "practical imperative"

1st formulation of the Categorical Imperative

The Formula of Universal Law Act on that maxim which you could choose to become a universal law. Act the way you would have others act.

Which does Kant call the "complete expression" of the moral law?

The Formula of the Kingdom of Ends - as should be apparent, this formula is really a combination of the first two and thus is why Kant calls it the complete expression of the moral law.

What does Kant see as the proper relationship between duty and happiness?

To secure one's own happiness is a duty, at least indirectly, for discontent with one's condition, under a pressure of many anxieties and amidst unsatisfied wants, might easily become a great temptation to transgression of duty but all men have already the strongest and most intimate inclination to happiness, because it is just in this idea that all inclinations are combined into one total one should promote their happiness not from inclination but from duty, and by this would his conduct first acquire true moral worth

what are the words on Kant's tombstone

Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing awe and admiration the more frequently and continuously reflection is occupied with them: the starred heavens above and the moral law within.

How does Kant interpret the command, in Scripture, to love our neighbors, and even our enemies?

We don't have to love (as in affection) our neighbors and enemies because that love cannot be controlled but we do have to care enough for them to help if they need it For love, as an affection, cannot be commanded, but beneficence for dutys sake may; even thug we are not impelled to it by any inclination- nay, are even repelled by a natural and unconquerable aversion. This is practical love and not pathological- a love which is seated in the will, and not in the propensions of sense- in principles of action and not of tender sympathy; and it is this love alone which can be commanded

imperative statement

a command

Does the value of a good will depend of its effects?

a good will is a will that chooses to do the right thing because it's the right thing. (doing it bc it is the right thing, not bc you might get rewarded)

What is the difference between a good will and a will motivated by practical concerns?

a good will is done based solely on the fact that it is the right thing to do, and a motivated one is based on the idea that they will get something out of it. practical will: taking care of yourself

universal law

a law everyone will follow

absolute value

a thing has absolute value if its value does not depend on anyone else valuing it. its value is intrinsic.

means-to-ends

a tool that can be used for some other purpose. an end (goal/purpose) is something a person values and wants to obtain or achieve. if that object or action will help a person achieve a desired end.

Kant considers "things"

irrational beings/ beings that have relative value

Problem of the Masochist

masochist: person who likes receiving pain (sexually) CI implies that the right thing to do is to go around giving ppl pain bc they like it too

Asch Conformity Study

measured the effects of peer pressure on a person's behavior. a group of ppl were asked to look at some lines and say which one was longest. most of the group members were actors, except one, the actual test subject. the actors would lie and say that a line which was clearly NOT the longest was the longest. the result, in many cases, was that the actual test subject, even tho perfectly able to see which like was longest, would say what others had said.

What exactly is a "metaphysics of morals?"

non-empirical (scientific) part of morality fundamental moral judgments: basic moral principle that does not depend on any particular understanding of the facts.

What does Kant think is necessary in order for there to be an objective moral law?

objective moral law: moral law that applies to everyone answer: if something exists that has absolute value; that is something that is an end-in-itself

What does Kant think is meant when we refer to "human dignity"

our capacity for moral thought and judgment, which reveals that we are something more than just animals our choices are not just governed by emotion and instinct, we have FREE-WILL

Problem of the Bigot

person judging other people's moral worth based on characteristics that have no moral relevance (skin color) CI is incomplete (the 1st formulation)

maxim

rules, proverbs

ends-in-themselves

something that has value in itself, not just as a means to end

What does Kant think is the strongest of natural desires?

the desire for life and to avoid death/our fear of death

Why does Kant think that true stories of heroes are the most important part of moral education?

the reality of a good will is most clearly revealed

What are the two things that fill the mind with wonder the more one contemplates them?

the stars & human's capacity of making moral judgments

What is the point of the Jewish proverb about the true act of charity?

the true act of charity is done anonymously as if even God is not watching.

Why does Kant think rational beings have absolute value?

they have value in themselves, precisely because they are rational beings (persons are not property) rational beings: anything that acts on the basis of emotion & instinct & have the capacity for moral judgment

Why is their good qualified?

they qualify as good because they have the capacity to be bad.

What is the point of the story of George Washington and the cherry tree?

to do the right thing even tho it might get you punished you shouldn't lie no matter the consequences

Stanley-Milgram Experiment

unknown to the test subject, the person in the other room is an actor, who will pretend to experience great pain and beg to stop the experiment. But, with an authority figure standing over them, many test subjects will continue to administer the shocks, even increasing them to what appear to be lethal levels. In a variation of the experiment, another actor will be placed in the room with the test subject, and when the authority figure orders the subject to administer another shock, the second actor will resist, saying "No, I am not going to do it." In such actions, it was found the actual test subject will also, often, be emboldened to the authority figure.

relative value

value depends on the needs and desires of different people. nobody denies the existence of

What does Kant think the story of "summons from the king" shows about human nature?

we have the ability to overcome the fear of death

What are the points of Kant's story of the man summoned by the king?

we have the capacity in ourselves to do what's right even when facing death. the power to do right is more powerful than our natural desire for life ability to overcome fear of death

akrasia

weakness of will (you know what you should do, but can't get themselves to do it)