KANT ETHICS – DETAILED ONE-SHEET STUDY GUIDE Natural vs Moral Philosophy Natural = studies what IS (facts, science). Moral = studies what OUGHT to be (right vs wrong behavior). Is vs Ought IS = descriptive facts (ex: people lie). OUGHT = moral claims (ex: people should not lie). Description vs Prescription Description = explains reality. Prescription = gives rules or commands. Who does ethics apply to? Applies to rational beings (people with a WILL). A will = ability to make choices based on reason, not just emotion. Unconditional vs Conditional Goods Unconditional = always good (good will). Conditional = depends on how used (intelligence, wealth, happiness). Intrinsic, Unconditional, Complete Worth Intrinsic = valuable in itself. Unconditional = good in ALL situations. Complete = needs nothing else to be good. → ONLY the GOOD WILL meets all three. Talents & Fortune Talents (intelligence, courage) = can be used for good OR bad → conditional. Fortune (money, success) = only good if used morally. Happiness Happiness = pleasure or satisfaction. NOT morally reliable → bad people can be happy. → Therefore, happiness is conditional, NOT the highest good. Good Will Acting from duty because it is right. Even if the outcome is bad, the action is still morally good. Function of the Will Not to achieve happiness, but to act morally. Types of Actions From inclination = based on feelings/desires → NOT moral. From duty = based on moral law → morally good. Imperatives Hypothetical = “If you want X, do Y” (conditional, based on desires). Categorical = “Do this” (universal, no conditions). Categorical Imperative (Formula I) “Act only on maxims you can will to become universal law.” Step 1: Can everyone do this? (logical possibility) Step 2: Would I want everyone to do this? (consistency) If NO → action is wrong. Golden Rule vs Kant Golden Rule = based on personal preference. Kant = based on universal rational law (stronger, objective). Categorical Imperative (Humanity Formula) Treat people as ENDS, not just MEANS. Means = using someone. End = respecting their value as a person. Morality & People Moral person = values duty and moral law. Immoral person = values desires, outcomes, self-interest. Freedom & Morality You must be free to choose to be moral. Without freedom, there is no responsibility

Natural Philosophy

Studies what IS (facts, science).

Moral Philosophy

Studies what OUGHT to be (right vs wrong behavior).

Is vs Ought

IS refers to descriptive facts (e.g., people lie); OUGHT refers to moral claims (e.g., people should not lie).

Description

Explains reality.

Prescription

Gives rules or commands.

Who does ethics apply to?

Applies to rational beings (people with a WILL).

A will

The ability to make choices based on reason, not just emotion.

Unconditional Goods

Always good (e.g., good will).

Conditional Goods

Depends on how used (e.g., intelligence, wealth, happiness).

Intrinsic Worth

Valuable in itself.

Unconditional Worth

Good in ALL situations.

Complete Worth

Needs nothing else to be good.

Good Will

Acting from duty because it is right, even if the outcome is bad.

Function of the Will

Not to achieve happiness, but to act morally.

Types of Actions

From inclination = based on feelings/desires; From duty = based on moral law.

Hypothetical Imperative

Conditional statement; "If you want X, do Y".

Categorical Imperative

Universal command; "Do this" without conditions.

Categorical Imperative (Formula I)

"Act only on maxims you can will to become universal law."

Golden Rule

Based on personal preference.

Kant's Ethics

Based on universal rational law; more objective than the Golden Rule.

Categorical Imperative (Humanity Formula)

Treat people as ENDS, not just MEANS.

Moral Person

Values duty and moral law.

Immoral Person

Values desires, outcomes, self-interest.

Freedom & Morality

You must be free to choose to be moral; without freedom, there is no responsibility.

Key Takeaway - Good Will

The ONLY unconditional good.

Key Takeaway - Duty

Duty is greater than feelings.

Key Takeaway - Right Action

Right action is based on universal law.

Key Takeaway - Respect

Respect all people as ends.