freedom as autonomy, the categorical imperative, means and ends kant

what are kants critiques on utilitarianism

• making someone happy is different from making them good

• we should not determine the goodness of an action based on its consequences

how do we determine the goodness of an action

the intention behind it because it reflect’s the individual’s commitments to the moral principle

why do moral rules have to be universal

• otherwise they would not be constraining

• ensures that moral principles are fair so that all rational being are treated equally

• free from subjective bias

why does kant think rational beings arent like natural beings

• natural beings act in accordance to natural laws

• rational being act in accordane with the representation of laws or princinples

for kant, what is “will”

• the ability to make rational, autonomous choices that are guided by moral principles and good will

• it about acting from duty and choosing to do what is right because it’s right, not because of any external factors or personal gain

what is a maxim

• personal rule or principle that guides an individual’s actions

• subjective because they are specific to the individual and their circumstance

• includes the action they want to perform and the reason behind it.

what is a duty

• the necessity of an action from respect for the law

• the obligation that arises as we recognize a principle as morally binding, adopting this principle as our maxim

What the distinction between acting in conformity with duty and acting from (or out of) duty means

acting in conformity with duty:

• doing the right action and fulfilling one’s duty but for reason other than duty itself (good shopkeeper)

acting from duty (or out of duty):

• doing the right thing, motivated by a sense of moral obligation

what is an imperative

• a proposition that declares a certain action (or inaction) to be necessary

• two types: hypothetical and categorical

what is a hypothetical imperative

rule of conduct that applies conditionally depending on an individual’s goals

• ex. “if i want to pass the exam, i ought to study”

what is the categorical imperative

unconditional absolute commands that must be followed regardless of personal desires or goals

• ex. “thou shalt not kill”

what does the formula of the law of nature mean

• act as if the maxim of your action were to become by your will a universal law of nature

• ex. stealing

what is kant’s distinction between means and ends

an end is something that has value in itself and is pursued for its own sake while a mean is something used to achieve an end