Kantian Ethics and Non-Consequentialism

A collection of flashcards based on Kantian ethics, non-consequentialism, and O'Neill's critiques that explore moral philosophy concepts and distinctions.

Non-consequentialism

The ethical view that the morality of an action depends on the action itself, not its outcomes.

Deontology

A type of non-consequentialist ethical theory focused on duty, rules, and moral obligations.

Kantianism

A non-consequentialist ethical theory that emphasizes acting according to moral laws or categorical imperatives.

Categorical Imperative

A command of reason that applies to all rational beings unconditionally, foundational to Kant's moral philosophy.

Hypothetical Imperative

A command that applies only if one wants something, conditional on specific desires.

Maxim

A personal principle of action that guides an individual's choices and behaviors.

Moral Worth

An action has moral worth only if it is performed from duty, not self-interest.

Contradiction in Conception

A situation where the action becomes impossible if universalized, indicating a moral impermissibility.

Contradiction in the Will

A scenario where the world could exist, but it couldn't be rationally willed to exist.

Autonomous Action

Action driven by one's rational will and moral duty, following the moral law one gives oneself.

Heteronomous Action

Action influenced by external factors such as desires or peer pressure, leading to moral flaws.

Justice (according to O’Neill)

The concept of not violating others’ rights or autonomy, acting as a negative constraint.

Consent as autonomous authorization

Consent that must come from someone who is fully informed and free, aligning with Kantian respect.

End-in-itself

Treating someone as valuable for their own sake, not merely for what they can do for you.

Golden Rule

A principle that suggests treating others as you would like to be treated, similar to Kant’s ethical framework.

Misanthropic Benevolent Person

Someone who dislikes others but helps from duty, resulting in moral worth.

Prudent Shopkeeper

Acts rightly for self-interest rather than duty, thus lacking moral worth.

Negative versus Positive Constraints in Ethics

Respect is a negative constraint (avoiding harm), while love is a positive constraint (actively caring for others).

O'Neill's Critique

Analyzing consent and advocating for a Kantian approach to ensure genuine respect and autonomy in relationships.

Intimacy and Consent

O'Neill argues that intimacy can heighten risks of violating respect and love, necessitating more than consent for moral treatment.

Four Conceptualizations of Consent

Different views on consent, including agreement, autonomous authorization, waiver of rights, and signaling willingness.

Master Rule

The foundational principle from which all moral duties can be derived, similar to the Categorical Imperative.

Actions from Duty

Actions that are performed out of respect for moral law rather than personal inclination or reward.

Indiscriminate Mugger Case

An example of immoral actions violating duty, highlighting the importance of intention over outcomes.

Instinctual but Dutiful Person

Someone who helps out of both natural inclination and duty, demonstrating a complex moral worth.