kantianism lawl!!!!!!

Right Act According to Kant

When it's done out of a good will — that is, out of a sense of duty in accordance with the Categorical Imperative.

Will According to Kant

It's our power of rational moral choice — the ability to make decisions and choose between acting from duty, reward, emotion, or desire.

Good Will According to Kant

When it's motivated solely by duty or obligation, not by consequences, feelings, or desires.

Acting from Duty

Acting because you recognize that the act is the right thing to do, not because you want to or expect a reward.

Step 1 in Determining Duty

Before you act, formulate the principle (maxim) on which you are acting.

Step 2 in Determining Duty

Generalize that principle.

Step 3 in Determining Duty

Ask: Is it possible for this generalized principle to be a universal moral law? If no → it's wrong to act on it. If yes → go to Step 4.

Step 4 in Determining Duty

Ask: Would you want this generalized principle to be a universal moral law followed by everyone? If no → it's wrong to act on it. If yes → it's morally permissible.

First Objection (Vicki the Volunteer Case)

Vicki does something right (volunteering) but not out of duty. Therefore, Kant is wrong that an act must be done from duty to be right.

Second Objection (Truth-Telling Problem)

Kant says you must always tell the truth, but sometimes lying is right (e.g., to save someone). Hence, Kant is wrong — lying can be moral.

Third Objection (Gerrymandered Maxims)

You can create overly specific moral rules that technically pass Kant's four-step test, even when the action is obviously wrong.

Categorical Imperative

A moral rule that applies to everyone, at all times, regardless of desires or circumstances.

Meaning of Categorical in Categorical Imperative

It means unconditional — it applies no matter what you want or feel.

Meaning of Imperative in Categorical Imperative

It means a command — something you must do.

Distinction Between Categorical and Hypothetical Imperatives

Hypothetical imperatives depend on your goals (e.g., 'If you want X, do Y'), but the Categorical Imperative commands actions that are always morally required.

First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

Universal Law Formulation Test

It tests whether the rule (maxim) you act on could be consistently followed by everyone without contradiction.

Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative

"Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never merely as a means."

Humanity Formulation Emphasis

Respecting the inherent worth of all persons — never using others just for your own benefit.

Example of Violating the Humanity Formulation

Lying to someone for personal gain — it uses them as a means to an end rather than respecting their rational agency.

Maxim in Kantian Ethics

A principle or rule describing the reason or motive behind your action.

Testing a Maxim Under the Categorical Imperative

Formulate the maxim. Universalize it (imagine everyone following it). Ask if it's possible and desirable as a universal law. If yes, it's morally acceptable; if no, it's not.

Kant's View on Universal Moral Laws

Because morality is based on reason, and reason is the same for all rational beings — moral duties must apply to everyone equally.

What Makes an Action Moral According to Kant

Acting from duty, guided by a maxim that can be universalized.