Kant

What does Kant base morality on?

Pure reason (a priori principles), not emotion or experience.

What do Hume and the sentimentalists base morality on?

Feelings and experiences (a posteriori).

Why does Kant reject empirical ethics?

Because feelings differ between people; only reason gives universal moral laws.

What is the difference between acting from duty vs. in accord with duty?

From duty = moral worth (acting out of respect for the moral law); In accord with duty = same act for self-interest (no moral worth).

What motivates morally worthy actions for Kant?

Respect for the moral law itself, not consequences or feelings.

What is a maxim?

Your personal rule or intention behind an action (subjective principle).

What is the moral law?

A universal rule of reason binding on all rational beings (objective principle).

How do maxims and moral laws relate?

You test your maxim by seeing if it could become a moral law for everyone.

What is the main 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.

What does 'categorical' mean in the context of the Categorical Imperative?

Applies universally and unconditionally (not 'if you want X, do Y').

How do you test a maxim?

Ask: What if everyone acted this way? Could the world still make sense?

What is a contradiction in conception?

The maxim cannot even be conceived as universal (e.g., lying destroys the concept of truth); violates a perfect duty.

What is a contradiction in willing?

The maxim can be conceived universally, but you cannot rationally will to live in that world (e.g., never helping anyone); violates an imperfect duty.

What are perfect duties?

Duties that must be followed without exception.

What are imperfect duties?

Duties that allow for some discretion in how they are fulfilled.

Core Idea Summary of Kant's Ethics?

Moral worth = acting from duty, not for consequences; morality = universal and rational, not emotional; moral law = what any rational being could will for everyone.