Kant's Moral Philosophy

These flashcards cover key concepts from Kant's moral philosophy, focusing on his principles, duties, and the nature of moral actions.

Categorical Imperative

A moral law based on rational consistency that dictates that one should only act according to rules that can be willed as universal laws.

Moral Duty

Actions performed from the motive of Duty, considered morally right regardless of their outcomes.

Moral Rules

Absolute rules that cannot be broken, even if breaking them would result in greater happiness.

Principle of Universability

A principle stating that one should act only according to that maxim which they can at the same time will that it should become a universal law.

Rational Consistency

The requirement that moral actions must be consistent and applicable to all rational beings.

Scope of the Moral Community

The concept that moral duties extend to all free and rational beings.

Selfish Motives

Motives that prioritize one’s own benefit over ethical standards, regarded as morally wrong.

Motive of Duty

The principle that one should do the right thing solely because it is the right thing to do.