PH310 Kant Review

What was Kant's focus?

the "why"

his definition of good will

good deeds should come from a sense of duty

moral worthiness

an act done from duty

empirical notion

morality is NOT based on experience or feelings

2 formulations of the categorical imperative

formula of universal law and formula of humanity

formula of universal law

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

Formula of Humanity as an End in Itself

Act only according to that maxim which treats humanity, whether in the person of myself or another, as an end in itself and never simply as a means to a further goal. Example: using someone to copy their homework

Categorical Imperative

determines if an action is good in itself

Hypothetical Imperative (not Kant)

choosing an act based on desire

difference between categorical and hypothetical

unconditional versus conditional

rationality and free will

acting according to reason and NOT desire

application of the categorical imperative

identify the maxim (the why) and ask if you can universalize it without contradiction