Kantian Ethics

Summary of the theory

Kantian ethics is an absolutist, deontological theory of ethics based on a priori, analytic premises. It seeks to universalise moral maxims which can be known autonomously through using the three formulations of the categorical imperative , and is focused on duty and good will.

How do we know what is morally right?

• Kant aimed to show there’s an objective, universal morality

• humans should be rational, autonomous decision makers

• do the right thing simply because it is the right thing to do

To know what is right, humans should reject 2 things…

1. Empiricism - we can’t know what’s moral by observing the world around us

2. Emotions and feelings - emotions cloud reason so should be disregarded when making a moral decision

What does Kant believe about duty?

• for an act to be truly moral, a person has to have complete freedom of will

• we must act morally out of good will

• we must only ever do what is right because it is our duty to do so

What is a heteronymous act?

• doing something because you’re forced or coerced into it

What are the 2 imperatives of Kantian Ethics?

1. Hypothetical - commands which can’t be universalised and don’t apply to everyone

   • goal-oriented and not necessarily moral

   • e.g. If I go on a diet, then I’ll lose weight

2. Categorical - laws that must be followed without exception

What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative?

‘the universal law as principle’

• universalising maxims

• action must be something we or anyone else could always do

• moral behaviour must be consistent throughout our lives

• once a lie is told the person is responsible for all the consequences

What is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?

‘the principle of humanity as an ends not a means’

• no-one should ever be exploited

• treating people as a means denies them the chance to be rational, autonomous, independent decision makers

• can’t treat people without regard for their future life, integrity, ability to make free choices

What is the third formulation of the categorical imperative?

‘universal kingdom of ends’

• everyone has the means of understanding these principles

• those of pure, practical reason can follow them

• if everyone followed them, it would lead to a community where all are good

• they’ll make moral decisions logically and have all the same moral aims…

  SUMMUM BONUM: highest possible good only achievable in moral community

• knew in reality the community was not going to happen

What are the 3 postulates? (a)

three things that we must assume the existence of, in order to use our pure, practical reason to make moral decision

What are the 3 postulates? (b)

1. Freedom/autonomy - moral choices only possible if people are free to make them; we must be free to do our duty

2. Immortality - all aim towards a perfect future, a summum bonum; the soul must be immortal, to ensure happiness beyond this life

3. God - implied in Kant’s teachings; humans are rational beings, there is eternal law, therefore God must exist

KE - strengths

• seeks to raise the status of humans to avoid selfish rule-making

• makes clear that morality is doing one’s duty, not just following feelings

• thinking of humans as having unconditional worth, so they’re never treated as a means to an end

• ethical clarity: Kant’s rules are available to all rational beings

KE - weaknesses

• no guidance on how to deal with conflict in situations

• people rarely act out of duty - expectation of something in return

• depends on some idea of God - N/A to atheists

• Pojman: how should we consider people with different levels of reason or rationality?

Sartre

• conflict of duties - doesn’t help when two duties clash

  e.g. choice between staying to care for your mother or going to fight for justice

• both choices are good and could be seen as moral rules for everyone, but he can’t do both at once

MacIntyre

• using universalisability to justify anything