Universal Ethics Deontological Categorical Imperative

Universal Ethics

A branch of ethics proposing that certain principles apply to all human beings, irrespective of culture or individual circumstances.

Categorical Imperative

Kant's central ethical principle stating that one should act only according to a maxim that can be universally applied.

Deontological Ethics

Ethical theory that emphasizes duties and rules over the consequences of actions.

Duty

An obligation or commitment to act in a certain way, as prescribed by moral laws.

Good Will

Kant's concept of a will that acts purely out of duty and intention to do what is right.

Hypothetical Imperative

A command or rule that applies conditionally based on a person's desires or goals.

Maxim

A general principle or rule that forms the basis for an individual's action.

Rationalist

A philosopher who believes that reason is the primary source of knowledge, as opposed to sensory experience.

Rights

Entitlements or permissions granted to individuals, often rooted in moral or legal frameworks.

Egalitarian

The belief in equal rights and opportunities for all people, regardless of their individual circumstances.

Moral Rationalism

Kant's view that moral truths can be discovered through reason and logical thought.

Universalizability

The idea that a moral action can be universally applied and accepted by all rational beings without contradiction.

Perfect Duty

An obligation that must always be followed, without exception, such as the duty not to lie.

Imperfect Duty

An obligation that is not absolute and allows for personal discretion, such as the duty to help others.

Autonomy

The capacity to make one's own decisions and govern oneself according to rational principles.

Moral Mysticism

The approach that seeks moral truths through spiritual or supernatural means rather than rational thought.

Moral Empiricism

The approach that evaluates morality based on observable outcomes and experiences, often connected to pleasure.

Critique of Practical Reason

Kant's work focused on the nature of moral reasoning and the implementation of the Categorical Imperative.

Kingdom of Ends

Kant’s concept where moral agents act according to maxims that respect all individuals as ends, not as means.

Religion within the Limits of Reason Alone

Kant's examination of the compatibility of religious beliefs with rational ethical principles.