Deontological Ethics

Rational (A Priori)

Knowledge that is independent of experience.

Empirical (A Posteriori)

Knowledge that is dependent on experience.

Objective

Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions; based on observable phenomena.

Subjective

Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.

Good Will

The only thing that is good without qualification; acts out of duty.

Doctrine of Moral Worth

An action has moral worth only if done from duty, not merely in accordance with duty.

Acting in Accordance with Duty

Performing a morally right action motivated by inclination rather than duty.

Acting from Duty

Performing a morally right action because it is the right thing to do, regardless of inclination.

Defining Autonomy

Acting according to reason, giving moral law to oneself, as opposed to heteronomy.

Hypothetical Imperatives

Commands that apply only if you have a particular goal; not universal moral laws.

Categorical Imperative

Commands that apply to all rational beings, regardless of inclinations.

Formula of Universal Law

Act only according to that maxim whereby it can become a universal law.

Formula of Humanity as an End in Itself

Act so that you treat humanity as an end, never merely as a means.

Formula of Autonomy

Act so that your will can regard itself as making universal law.

Universality

The quality of being universalizable; applicable across people, time, and place.

Normative Force

The inherent power a moral law has to command adherence and recognition.

Rational Agency

The capacity to govern oneself and make moral decisions based on reason.

End in Themselves

Persons treated as intrinsically valuable due to their rationality and autonomy.

Maxim

A principle or rule of action that is subjective to the individual.