Philosophy unit 3 flashcards - Kant & Utilitarianism

define rationalism (rationalist)

Taking the position that by employing certain procedures of reason alone, we can discover knowledge that cannot be false (a priori). True knowledge must be sought in the mind (logic), not the senses. Tends to be idealist - concerned with a desire for ‘perfection’.

define empiricism (empiricist)

Taking the position that our sense experience is the source and basis of all our knowledge. Knowledge gained via sense and experimentation. Asserts that only the external world is objective and ‘sensible’ (inner truth = subjective). Tends to the practical/pragmatic - concerned with the acknowledgement of reality.

Define prudential action

When the meaning intended is that it would be appropriate or prudent to do/be something if we want to achieve a particular/desired outcome. For example, I should study chemistry in school if I want to do medicine in uni.

Define normative action

when the meaning intended is that it is morally right to do/be something. Not about achieving an outcome, rather, about being morally ‘good'. Thing being described is a thing that should happen as a matter of moral correctness. For example, “we should not kill” or “I should help others.”

define the ethical approach absolute (absolutist, absolutism)

taking the position that ‘the truth is out there’. One single, objective morality exists (and it applies to all). For example, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are NOT relative terms.

define the ethical approach relative (relativism; relativist)

taking the position that it all depends. No single objective morality exists. Nothing is good/bad in itself, but only in relation to other things. For example, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’, ‘good’ and ‘evil’ are not absolute terms, they depend on culture, circumstances and other contextual factors. What is good for one may not be good for another.

define the ethical approach motivist (or virtue ethics)

Purpose or motivation for performing an action is the most important factor in judging its morality. Focus is on the agent’s character, virtues and motivations for acting (intention)

Define the ethical approach consequentalist

ethical theory that judges whether or not something is right by what its consequences are. An action is morally right if its consequences (on balance) produce more benefits than detriments (good > harm). Intention or motivation is less important than the outcome or consequences. Good is defined in various ways: happiness, pleasure, freedom, autonomy (choices), etc

What are the criticisms of consequentalist?

It can be difficult, or even impossible, to know what the result of an action will be ahead of time (nobody can know the future with certainty). In certain situations, it can lead to decisions that are objectionable, even though consequences are arguably good (the end justifies the means).

Define the ethical approach deontological ethics

ethical theory that uses rules to distinguish right from wrong. Simple to apply. It just requires that people follow the rules & do their duty. Tends to fit well with our natural intuition about what is/isn’t ethical. Argues that ethics is based on specific universal laws/principles of obligation or duty/rights

what are the criticisms of deontological ethics?

rigidly following deontology can produce results that people find unacceptable. Means disregarding the potential consequences of actions when determining what is right/wrong.

what is a hypothetical imperative?

commands you follow if you want something. Contingent on desires & not moral. For example, if you want money, you should get a job.

What is a categorical imperative?

Commands you follow, regardless of your desires or inclinations (a duty). Morality is derived as obedience to an objective, unconditional law that is universally binding on all rational beings. Acts must be done by one who is a free agent (i.e. not forced, threatened, afraid or by mistake). All specific moral requirements are justified by this principle. All immoral actions are irrational because they violate the CI.

What is an example of the catergorical imperative?

If a teacher goes to playground duty because of a motivated by fear of student harm/litigation, they are acting ‘in accord with duty’ (different motive). NOT a moral act.

What is the universal law of nature formation?

“Act only in accordance with that maxim (rule/principle) through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction”. aka behave in a way that you’d be okay with everyone else acting too. If it would be acceptable for everyone, everywhere at any time (could be universalised without contradiction), then its a moral action & you have a duty to do it. If it were not acceptable, then it isn’t a moral action and you have a duty not to do it. Any action that cannot be universalised would produce a contradiction.

what are 2 examples of the universal law of nature formation?

“I should lie when it’s in my best interest” cannot be universalised - if everyone were to lie, then all human relations based on trust and the keeping of promises would become impossible (nobody would trust another). Stealing cannot be universalised - if you steal, you are saying that everyone should always steal. Then nobody would have anything of their own (no possession of property).

what is the humanity formulation?

“act in such a way that you treat humanity…always as an end and never as a mere means". aka treat others as valuable in themselves, not just as tools for your own benefit. Kant called humans ‘ends-in-ourselves’ - we’re rational, autonomous and have the ability to set & work towards goals. Must recognize one’s humanity, agency, goals, interests and values to be moral. Treating someone as a mere means to achieve your own goal with no thought to their own goals & interests = violation of CI (immoral)

what are 2 examples of the humanity formulation?

lying and deception are ‘mere means’ acts; victim can’t make an informed decision about how to act. Robbing someone without considering their need for money & their effort put towards gaining that money = immoral/’mere means’ act.

what are the mer