Kant's Moral Philosophy and Justice

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary terms and their definitions related to Kant's moral philosophy, justice, and socio-economic concepts from the provided lecture notes.

Pure Practical Reason

In Kant's philosophy, this refers to reason's capacity to autonomously determine moral principles and duties, specifically the categorical imperative, without being influenced by empirical desires, inclinations, or consequences. It is the source of universal moral law.

Goodwill

According to Kant, goodwill is the only thing good without qualification. It is a will that acts purely out of duty to the moral law (the categorical imperative), rather than from inclination, self-interest, or the consequences of an action. Its value is intrinsic, derived from its being determined by reason alone.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's central moral principle, which commands actions unconditionally, regardless of any particular desires or ends. It is a universal, necessary command of reason. Its primary formulation is to 'act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law,' meaning actions must be justifiable as universal moral laws applicable to everyone.

Maxim

In Kantian ethics, a maxim is the subjective principle or rule of action that an individual adopts for themselves. It describes what one intends to do and the circumstances in which one intends to do it. Maxims are tested by the categorical imperative to determine their moral permissibility.

Universalizability

The formal test within Kantian ethics for evaluating the moral permissibility of a maxim. A maxim is universalizable if it can be consistently willed to become a universal law without simultaneously undermining itself or leading to a contradiction when applied by everyone. If a maxim cannot be universalized, the action it prescribes is deemed immoral.

Veil of Ignorance

A thought experiment introduced by John Rawls in 'A Theory of Justice.' Imagine individuals are to choose principles of justice for a society without knowing their own position in that society (e.g., social status, race, gender, abilities, or conception of the good life). This hypothetical condition is designed to ensure that principles are chosen impartially and fairly, leading to truly just outcomes.

Rawls' First Principle of Justice

The first of Rawls' two principles of justice, stating that 'Each person is to have an equal right to the most extensive scheme of equal basic liberties compatible with a similar scheme of liberties for others.' These basic liberties include political liberty (e.g., voting), freedom of speech, assembly, thought, conscience, and the right to hold personal property. This principle takes lexical priority over the second principle.

Difference Principle

The second part of Rawls' second principle of justice. It stipulates that 'social and economic inequalities are to be arranged so that they are both (a) reasonably expected to be to everyone's advantage, and (b) attached to positions and offices open to all.' More specifically, it means that any inequalities must primarily benefit the least advantaged members of society, often by creating incentives that ultimately improve the overall position of the worst-off. It aims to mitigate the effects of natural and social contingencies.

Deontology

An ethical theory that emphasizes duties or rules, asserting that the morality of an action is determined by whether it adheres to established moral norms, laws, or duties, rather than by its consequences. Actions are considered inherently right or wrong based on factors like the agent's intentions or the inherent nature of the act itself, as exemplified by Kant's moral philosophy.

Just Desserts

The concept that individuals deserve benefits or punishments strictly based on their own actions, merits, or contributions, irrespective of broader societal outcomes. It implies that rewards should directly correspond to effort, achievement, or moral behavior, and punishments to transgressions. This idea often contrasts with theories valuing equality or need.

Legitimate Expectations

In Rawls' theory, these are entitlements or claims that individuals acquire within a just social institution that is already structured according to fair principles of justice. Unlike 'just deserts,' which might refer to pre-institutional merit, legitimate expectations are generated by and are dependent upon the rules and structures of a well-ordered society, ensuring predictable and fair distribution of benefits and burdens.

Neoliberalism

An economic and political philosophy that gained prominence in the late 20th century, advocating for free market capitalism. Key tenets include extensive economic liberalization policies such as privatization, fiscal austerity, deregulation, free trade, and reduced government spending in order to enhance the role of the private sector in the economy. It emphasizes individual economic freedom and minimal state intervention.

Folk Citizenship

This concept describes the lived experience and informal understanding of citizenship within liberal democracies. It refers to the idea that all citizens are ideally perceived as equal, respected members of the political community, entitled to certain rights and dignity, irrespective of formal legal status sometimes, or perceived cultural differences. It highlights an aspiration for inclusive civic participation and recognition.

Anti-Poverty Principle

A principle advocating for deliberate policy measures to alleviate poverty, particularly focusing on achieving financial independence for women as a means of improving their overall status and reducing household poverty. It promotes ensuring women's access to paid employment and fair wages to achieve economic autonomy, challenging traditional gendered divisions of labor.

Universal Breadwinner Model

A social and economic model that proposes that both men and women are expected to participate equally in paid employment ('breadwinning') and equally share responsibilities for unpaid care and domestic work. It challenges traditional gender roles where one partner (historically the man) is the sole or primary breadwinner and the other is the primary caregiver, aiming for gender equality in both public and private spheres.