Kant's Moral Philosophy

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to Kant's moral philosophy discussed in the lecture notes.

Good Will

A concept in Kant's philosophy referring to the intention behind actions that are motivated by duty rather than inclination.

Moral Law

A principle that dictates how rational beings ought to behave, derived from reason and applicable to all rational agents.

Duty

The moral obligation to act according to the moral law; actions have moral worth only when performed from duty.

Categorical Imperative

A foundational principle in Kant's ethics that states one should act only according to that maxim by which you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.

Deontological Ethics

An ethical theory that emphasizes the importance of following rules or duties, signifying that outcomes are not the sole determinant of moral actions.

Consequentialist Ethics

An ethical theory that suggests the consequences of actions dictate their moral worth, implying that ends can justify the means.

Maxim

A principle or rule that guides an action; according to Kant, it should be universalizable.

Inclination

Desires that arise from having a body, distinguishing human experience from divine reasoning.

Autonomy of the Will

The capacity of rational beings to legislate moral law through their own reason, signifying self-governance.

Heteronomy of the Will

The condition of the will when it is influenced by external desires rather than by reason.

Sublime

The moral law within and the cosmic order above that reflects the rational capability of humanity.

Utilitarianism

In ethics, the principle that actions are right if they promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number, associated with utilitarianism.

Perfectionism

A view in Kant's philosophy suggesting that moral actions must be performed exactly according to duty, with no deviations.

Antinomy

A situation in which two conflicting laws or principles both hold true, creating a paradox.

Moral Worth

The value of an action that is determined by the motivation behind it, specifically acting out of duty as per Kantian ethics.

Kingdom of Ends

A conceptual community in which all rational beings act according to moral laws that they themselves legislate.

speaker

Kant

Audience

Reader

Idealism

what works comes from our head to organize the world in our heads

If we all have the same reason

we all make ethical judgements the same way so there is no relativism in our understanding of physical and moral organization

happiness

complete well being and contentment with ones condition, preservation of welfare, the sum of all inclinations, end for allow can’t say what happiness truly is

treat people

as beings deserving of respect and not just as an ends to something

Mediate inclinations

what motivates you to do the action has no secondary effects

immediate inclination

you act in a way to get something you want

from duty against desire

when you in accordance to duty even if you don’t want to do something

Hypothetical Imperative

the practical necessity of a possible action as a means for attaining something someone else wants

A priori

prior to

our maxims must be in keeping with

the categorical imperative

we have duty to seek contentment in the world

so we don’t get disgusted with being good and throw out the moral code

in the kingdom of ends

everyone is treated as an ends in themselves and as a means to an end