KANTIAN ETHICS
OCR Religious Studies Religion and Ethics
2 ESSAYS
, ‘Kantian ethics are helpful for moral decision-making in every kind of context.’ Discuss.
(40)
INTRO:
De ne: Kantian Ethics- a deontological theory that argues the morality of something is based on the action itself and the
intention behind it rather than the consequences
Implications of the Question:
• Kant's theory was based on very black and white terms- focussed on the moral act of a situation and ignored the
consequences
• Believed that we all have reason, making us all the same, meaning we should all be making the same moral
decisions
• However, when his theory is put into context it contradicts itself (e.g. the axe murderer) so he doesn’t take into
account unique situations
• The theory should be relativist not absolutist
Thesis: This essay will argue that Kantian ethics are not helpful in every context because it doesn’t take into consideration
the situation that the individual is in
P1: point:
• Kant's theory is in exible
Explanation:
• Rules change and his theory should adapt to this- in exible when it comes to homosexuality
• 1st formulation of the categorical imperative: homosexual sex cannot became a law of nature because humanity
would cease to exist so this act could not be universalized, since no rational agent can consent to their own
destruction
• 2nd formulation disquali es homosexuals, since full reciprocal sexual relations can only happen for the purpose of
reproduction, therefore, ruling out homosexuality
• Kant deemed sex beyond procreation to be using another person as an object of appetite, denying their humanity.
Also believes it involves treating yourself and others as an object.
• Alan Turing committed suicide because he was a homosexual, which in the 21st century would be illegal but at the
time it was part of the law. This goes to show that certain laws and rules are not fair and Kant’s approach can result
in innocent people’s deaths
• We have a duty as part of the good will to tell the truth- Axe murderer example.
Response:
• Kant's theory is helpful for moral-decision making in every context because the system of rules set out are very
clear cut- everyone is aware of the obligations
• These rules are set out through a priori reason- if you allowed everyone to break the rules then the consequences of
the legal system would be a mess
• In order for everyone to do their duty, it must be universalised
• E.g. if you promise to take a loan of money out with the intention that you will not be able to pay the company
back in the time that has been given, the promise contradicts the act of keeping a promise.
Evaluation:
• Kantian ethics are not a helpful approach to homosexuality but are for other situations
• Hence the theory needs to involve relativism
• W.D. Ross: Prima Facie Duties - as a neo-Kantian and moderate objectivist, he says that we can use Kant's system
only to discover objective, but not absolute, duties. This is more exible/adaptable
P2: point:
Point: Kantian ethics are not helpful for moral decision making in every context because he does not take into account the
moral value of feelings like compassion.
Explanation:
• Kant says we should do the right thing because it is our duty and that no other reason has any direct moral merit
(shopkeeper example).
• Acts that are done for the purpose of producing emotions of love and compassion are not truly virtuous because
emotions are passive/unreliable and belong in the phenomenal mental realm
• Duty is the only reliable thing.
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OCR Religious Studies Religion and Ethics
2 ESSAYS
, ‘Kantian ethics are helpful for moral decision-making in every kind of context.’ Discuss.
(40)
INTRO:
De ne: Kantian Ethics- a deontological theory that argues the morality of something is based on the action itself and the
intention behind it rather than the consequences
Implications of the Question:
• Kant's theory was based on very black and white terms- focussed on the moral act of a situation and ignored the
consequences
• Believed that we all have reason, making us all the same, meaning we should all be making the same moral
decisions
• However, when his theory is put into context it contradicts itself (e.g. the axe murderer) so he doesn’t take into
account unique situations
• The theory should be relativist not absolutist
Thesis: This essay will argue that Kantian ethics are not helpful in every context because it doesn’t take into consideration
the situation that the individual is in
P1: point:
• Kant's theory is in exible
Explanation:
• Rules change and his theory should adapt to this- in exible when it comes to homosexuality
• 1st formulation of the categorical imperative: homosexual sex cannot became a law of nature because humanity
would cease to exist so this act could not be universalized, since no rational agent can consent to their own
destruction
• 2nd formulation disquali es homosexuals, since full reciprocal sexual relations can only happen for the purpose of
reproduction, therefore, ruling out homosexuality
• Kant deemed sex beyond procreation to be using another person as an object of appetite, denying their humanity.
Also believes it involves treating yourself and others as an object.
• Alan Turing committed suicide because he was a homosexual, which in the 21st century would be illegal but at the
time it was part of the law. This goes to show that certain laws and rules are not fair and Kant’s approach can result
in innocent people’s deaths
• We have a duty as part of the good will to tell the truth- Axe murderer example.
Response:
• Kant's theory is helpful for moral-decision making in every context because the system of rules set out are very
clear cut- everyone is aware of the obligations
• These rules are set out through a priori reason- if you allowed everyone to break the rules then the consequences of
the legal system would be a mess
• In order for everyone to do their duty, it must be universalised
• E.g. if you promise to take a loan of money out with the intention that you will not be able to pay the company
back in the time that has been given, the promise contradicts the act of keeping a promise.
Evaluation:
• Kantian ethics are not a helpful approach to homosexuality but are for other situations
• Hence the theory needs to involve relativism
• W.D. Ross: Prima Facie Duties - as a neo-Kantian and moderate objectivist, he says that we can use Kant's system
only to discover objective, but not absolute, duties. This is more exible/adaptable
P2: point:
Point: Kantian ethics are not helpful for moral decision making in every context because he does not take into account the
moral value of feelings like compassion.
Explanation:
• Kant says we should do the right thing because it is our duty and that no other reason has any direct moral merit
(shopkeeper example).
• Acts that are done for the purpose of producing emotions of love and compassion are not truly virtuous because
emotions are passive/unreliable and belong in the phenomenal mental realm
• Duty is the only reliable thing.
fi
fl fi fl fl
