Topic 8: Kantian Ethics / Kantian Deontology

Kantian Deontology

A moral theory claiming actions are right or wrong based on whether they follow universal moral duties not on their consequences

Good Will

Kant’s idea of the only thing good without qualification meaning doing the right thing because it is right not for personal gain

Duty

What morality requires us to do regardless of our desires emotions or consequences

Moral Worth

Kant’s claim that an action has moral worth only when done from duty not from self interest or emotion

Hypothetical Imperative

A rule that tells you what to do only if you want a certain outcome such as if you want good grades you should study

Categorical Imperative

A command that applies to everyone regardless of their desires telling you what morality requires absolutely

Universalizability Test

Kant’s method that says an action is wrong if its underlying rule would lead to a contradiction when universalized

Maxim Kant

The personal rule or principle behind your action used to test whether your action is morally acceptable

Second Formulation Humanity Test

Kant’s rule saying treat all rational beings as ends in themselves never merely as a means to your own goals

Treating Someone as a Means

Using someone as a tool or instrument without respecting their autonomy their ability to choose for themselves

Fat Man Runaway Train Scenario Kant

Kant would not push the fat man because killing an innocent person violates the categorical imperative and treats them as a mere means

Difference from Utilitarianism

Kant focuses on duties and principles while utilitarianism focuses on consequences and maximizing happiness

Absolute Duties Problem

Kant’s view sometimes leads to rigid rules with no exceptions such as the problem of lying to a murderer who asks for your friend’s location

Kant on Exceptions

Kant argues that moral duties admit no exceptions because exceptions destroy the universality of the moral law

Rationality and Moral Standing

Kant argues only rational beings have moral standing because only they can act according to moral laws

Objection to Rationality Requirement

Critics say this view wrongly excludes babies animals and people with cognitive disabilities from moral consideration

Kantian Respect Principle

Moral actions must respect persons as autonomous rational beings capable of making their own choices

Ends in Themselves

Kant’s idea that rational persons have dignity and must never be reduced to tools for achieving someone else’s goals

Exam Requirement Hypothetical vs Categorical Imperatives

Must clearly define each and explain why Kant says only categorical imperatives ground morality

Exam Requirement Universalizability

Must show how to test a maxim by seeing if it can be universalized without contradiction

Exam Requirement Kant vs Utilitarian Outcome

Must explain why Kant refuses to sacrifice one even to save many unlike utilitarianism

Exam Requirement Problem of Absolute Duties

Must explain why having no exceptions leads to unrealistic or morally troubling cases