18th Century Enlightenment, Chapter 11

Immanuel Kant

Why was Kant influential?

He started a revolution in epistemology and ethics, turning conventional assumptions about knowledge upside down → answered consequentialist theories and ideas that morality is based on desires/feelings rather than reason

What is an analytical statement?

A logical truth whose denial results in a contradiction

What is a synthetic statements?

A truth that is not analytic, but still tells us about the world → denial does not result in a contradiction

What were Kant’s revolutionary thoughts?

He argued that objects conformed to the mind, with sense experience matching reality as the mind stamps structure and organisation upon it

How does Kant believe synthetic a priori knowledge is possible?

The mind’s concepts force a priori order onto synthetic experience, allowing for synthetic knowledge

What is the study of ethics?

The study of morality through philosophical methods

What is morality?

It is our beliefs about what is right or wrong and what makes one good or bad

What is the difference between morality and ethics?

Morality concerns judgements, principles, values, and theories, while ethics is their philosophical examination

What is a consequentialist theory?

A theory that the rightness of actions depends solely on their consequences or results

What is a deontological theory?

A theory that rightness does not only concern the results of an action, but partially or completely their intrinsic nature

What is moral objectivism?

The idea that at least some moral truths are objectively valid or true for everyone

What is moral relativism?

The idea that morality is relative to individuals (subjective) and cultures (cultural)

What is the categorical imperative?

• All actions must be moral should they become universal law

• Humanity should never be treated as a means only, but as an end withal

What does Kant believe about right actions?

They are consistent with universal moral rules derived from reason and only have worth if one with a sense of duty

How does Kant conceive of moral law?

It is absolute, unchangeable, and universal

What is Kant’s central theory?

The categorical imperative