Ch. 9 & 10

Kant claims that the knowledge of one's duty is the foundation of our ethical principles. This knowledge is (A) empirical, (B) rational.

B. Rational

What are two formulations of the Categorical Imperative.

Do what you feel everyone should do (universal law) Don't use people as a means but as a end (don't manipulate)

Categorical Imperative

Kant's moral system stating that all of our duties can be derived from one ultimate principle

What is Moral heteronomy?

It means that others (our boss, God, the executive power, the military power) create the moral rules.

What is Moral Autonomy?

It means that our own rationality must dictate what is the right thing to do

What is the principle of universality?

Kant's ethics invites you to deliberate each time you are face with a moral decision by asking if you want your conduct to be followed by everyone at all times.

Kant's Core Ideas

People have a "diginity" other things lack 1) Since people have desires things that satisfy those desire can have value for people and only when a person desires it 2) People have an "intrinsic worth" because they are rational agents (free agents capable of making their own descisions, setting their own goals, and guiding their conduct by reason)

T or F: Kant's approach to ethics is deontological. In other words, the morality of an act is not determined by its consequences but by the principles on which the action is based, regardless of one's particular wants and desires. Duty is the ultimate consideration of the morality of an action.

True, Duty above all

What are Moral Obligations?

They are categorical meaning that you have to do so and so, period

T or F: According to Kant, we are free agents capable of making decisions and guiding our conduct by reason. So we, rational agents, are the source of the moral realm and of moral value. Accordingly, never to treat others as means is both, to respect their rationality and their humanity.

True

According to Rachel's, Kant Categorical Imperative does not give a satisfactory answer when we face conflicts of rules such as the rule against lying when it is necessary to save someone's life

True, Kant believe it is always wrong to lie

T or F: Kant claims that the Categorical Imperative is binding on rational agents simply because they are rational, -in other words, a person who did not accept this principle would be guilty not merely of being immoral but of being irrational.

True, all rational beings must accept this principle

T or F: For Kant our Freedom and our Rationality creates our moral realm. Accordingly, Moral freedom is the ability to be governed by reason.

True, the reasons are present in all rational beings

T or F: According to Kant, to set up a maxim that applies to others except you is a special plea that does not follow the principle of universality and violates the need of coherence and consistency in our moral obligations. In other words, if you accept any consideration as reasons in one case, you must also accept them as reasons in other cases.

True, we all follow the same rules if strayed from one everyone can stray from it as well

Do we use people as a means or an end

We may not manipulate people we may use them as an end( treated w/ respect) but not use them to achieve our personal goals by manipulation (using them as a means)

Kant on crime (Retributivism)

Wrongdoers must be punished and the punishment must fit the crime

What is Retributivism?

advocates the infliction of suffering without any compensating gain in happiness as retribution for a crime

What is Hypothetical Imperative?

implies that there are some things that may not be done, no matter what and therefore there are forbidden at all times and under all circumstances.

What are Hypothetical Imperatives?

we have a certain desire; we recognize that a certain course of action will help us get what we want and so we follow the indicated plan