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Summary of Kantian Ethics
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Summary of Kantian Ethics
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Kantian Ethics:Lived a very routined life which was dedicated to studying and teaching (This could’ve limited his approach as he lived
differently to others (strict and structured) and essentially took his order in life to apply to ethical theories which isn’t
applicable in today’s society)
GROUNDWORK’S FOR THE METAPHYSICS OF MORALS – theory based on reason on logic so not clouded by emotions.
Ethical dilemmas based on actions and motive, not knowing future outcomes (DEONTOLOGICAL). The command to do
one’s duty is invariable (ABSOLUTE)
DUTY “Duty involves freely choosing the action”
DUTY = what you must do = moral obligation to perform certain actions
Perfect duty is one which must be performed whatever the circumstances. As long as you perform
your duty you are morally blameless. Acting morally according to the good regardless of
consequences. The only good reason for doing something is because we should (man’s ability to
reason). If reason is universalised the moral commands generated by reason will be universal and
applicable to all, arriving at the same conclusion.
Importance for following duty for duty’s sake:
1. No emotion (Using emotions are not wrong just amoral)
2. Personal Gain
3. No authority command
GOODWILL An act is only good is it is an act based in the sense of goodwill. A moral action is one performed with
goodwill, wanting to benefit others with good intentions. It includes doing the right thing with the
right reasons.
“Goodwill shines forth like a precious jewel” = goodwill is the only pure motive
Goodwill is “good without qualification”
MORAL LAW Duty + Goodwill = moral law
“The moral law within” means that everyone can reason how they ought to behave in a situation. You
are free to choose to act towards moral law or not.
All moral life strives for the Summum Bonum. In his book, Kant argues that errors occur in moral
thinking when following heteronomous approaches, that is the argument based on following laws set
down by others.
The only moral law we should follow is that which is knowable by reason.
“If a moral law is to be unconditionally and universally binding, it must contain something that is
unconditionally and universally good, something that is good in itself and the highest good”
Hypothetical Imperative A command to achieve the desired result – “if I want x then I must do y”
Kant didn’t agree with this as it isn’t as imperative for morality. He establishes 3
reasons:
1. No obligation to follow this imperative unless you want to achieve an
outcome (teleological).
2. Not an absolute moral rule
3. Judgements are not connected with ethics
Categorical Imperative An act is good in itself regardless of the consequences. It isn’t dependant on what o
want and doesn’t differ between people. Able to work out using reason.
SHOULD / WILL / MUST
- Right thing to do
- No justification
- In line with duty = helps to be moral
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