Kant's Ethics and Categorical Imperative

Flashcards on Kant's Categorical Imperative and Ethics

Categorical Imperative - First Formulation

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

First Formulation Meaning

Only act on principles that you could rationally will everyone to follow.

Difference between Categorical Imperative and Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is based on desire; the Categorical Imperative is based on rational will and universality.

Most Eloquent Version of Categorical Imperative

Kant’s own phrasing in Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals.

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 and never merely as a means."

Absolute Worth

Worth that does not depend on usefulness; humans have it because of rationality.

Relative Worth

Value based on usefulness; things have relative worth.

Treating something as an 'end in itself'

To respect it for its own sake, not just for what it can do for you.

Treating something as a 'means to an end'

To use it as a tool to achieve your own goals.

Beings with Absolute Value

Rational beings.

Why Rational Beings have Absolute Value

Because they can legislate moral law and act according to reason.

How Kant decides if an alien is a person

If it can reason and act morally, it has personhood and moral value.

Three Primary Formulations of the Categorical Imperative

1. Formula of Universal Law 2. Formula of Humanity 3. Formula of Autonomy / Kingdom of Ends

Formula of Universal Law

Act only on maxims that could be willed as universal law.

Formula of Humanity Meaning

Treat rational beings as ends in themselves, never merely as means.

Formula of Autonomy / Kingdom of Ends

Act as though your maxims were laws in a kingdom of ends, where all rational beings are lawmakers.

Formulation used for Moral Dilemmas

Formula of Universal Law.

"Complete expression" of Moral Law

Formula of Autonomy / Kingdom of Ends.

One Unqualified Good (Kant)

A good will.

Why a Good Will is the Only Unqualified Good

Because it is good in itself, regardless of consequences.

Qualified Goods

Talents, virtues, or external things that can be misused without a good will.

Value of Good Will Dependent on Effects?

No, it is valuable in itself.

What Makes a Person Worthy of Happiness?

A good will and moral character.

Proper Relationship between Duty and Happiness

We are only worthy of happiness if we are dutiful and moral.

Difference between a Good Will and Will Motivated by Practical Concerns

A good will acts from duty; a practical will acts from self-interest or consequences.

Kant's Interpretation of Loving Enemies

As acting kindly from duty, even when we don't feel love—acting from principle.

Imperatives

Commands of reason directing the will.

Difference between Hypothetical and Categorical Imperatives

Hypothetical = conditional (“if… then… ”); Categorical = unconditional (“do X”).

Type of Imperative that is a Moral Command

Categorical

THE Categorical Imperative (First Formulation)

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

Four Examples of Duties

1. Not committing suicide 2. Keeping promises 3. Developing talents 4. Helping others

Problem of the Masochist

They may will harm to themselves—posing problems for universalization.

Problem of the Bigot

A bigot might universalize their hatred—challenging Kant’s universality.

Ends in themselves

Beings with intrinsic worth that must never be used merely as tools.

"Rational Being" to Kant

A being capable of reasoning and moral legislation.

Beings Considered "Things"

Non-rational beings used instrumentally (e.g., animals, objects).

Ethics Represented by Kant

Deontological – duty-based.

Ethics Represented by Bentham

Teleological – consequence-based (utilitarianism).

Core Difference Between Kant and Bentham

Kant focuses on rational duty and universal law; Bentham focuses on maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain.