Unit 2 CH 14 A Simplified Account of Kant's Ethics, Onora O'Neill
Intention
Conscious motivation of an action; used by O'Neill as equivalent to Kant's "maxim," because given any intention, a corresponding maxim can be formulated by omitting reference to the particular situation.
The Formula of the End in Itself
O'Neill's term for Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative, which O'Neill interprets as a command never to involve someone in a scheme to which he or she could not in principle consent.
Maxim
Principle according to which one sees oneself as acting.
Why am I not necessarily acting immorally when I use a bank teller to cash my paycheck? a. because the teller can consent in principle to being used in this way b. because the categorical imperative does not apply to business transactions c. because I can give some of the money to a worthy cause d. because I might need the money to survive
a. because the teller can consent in principle to being used in this way.
The term "maxim" in Kant refers to a. the principle underlying a decision to act in a particular way. b. the intended effect of a particular action. c. the inclination to act in a certain way. d. the highest level of moral virtue.
a. the principle underlying a decision to act in a particular way..
According to O'Neill, to treat another rational agent as a mere means is wrong unless doing so is required to treat other rational agents as ends in themselves. a. True b. False
b. False
O'Neill finds the requirements of Kant's moral theory to be excessively demanding. a. True b. False
b. False
To avoid doing wrong, Kant thinks we should act to promote the happiness of as many people as possible. a. True b. False
b. False
The Formula of the End in Itself requires that one must a. treat all sentient beings as ends in themselves. b. never cause pain to a rational agent. c. treat all rational agents as ends in themselves. d. always treat humanity as a means to promote the best end.
c. treat all rational agents as ends in themselves..
