Kant's Moral Philosophy

Flashcards on Kant's Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals

Logic (Formal Philosophy)

Deals with universal rules of thinking and is independent of experience.

Material Philosophy

Concerned with objects and laws, divided into Physics (laws of nature) and Ethics (laws of freedom).

Logic

The form of reasoning.

Physics

The doctrine of nature.

Ethics

The doctrine of morals.

Moral Law

A system of three formulas representing the moral law, not separate principles.

Formula of Universal Law

Test of consistency; asks if everyone could act a certain way without contradiction.

Kant's quote on the Formula of Universal Law

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

Formula of Humanity (End in Itself Formula)

Treat humanity as an end, never merely as a means.

Kant's quote on the Formula of Humanity

Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means.

Kant's quote on the Formula of Autonomy

Act only so that your will could regard itself at the same time as making universal law through its maxims.

Formula of Autonomy (Kingdom of Ends Formula)

Moral self-governance; being both the author and follower of moral law.

Kingdom of Ends

Moral agents must legislate for themselves as if they belonged to a community of rational beings.

Good Will

Good in itself, regardless of outcomes.

Gifts of Nature

Intelligence, wit, temperament, judgment. Not good without a good will, can be harmful if used by a bad will.

Gifts of Fortune

Wealth, power, status, happiness. Value is conditional on being used by a good will.

Happiness

Can corrupt and lead to arrogance and imprudence.

Importance of Good Will

More valuable than any individual or combined gift of nature or fortune.

Unconditional Good

The only thing unconditionally good.

Common-sense Morality

Often mistaken and can be corrupted.