Kantian Ethics

What type of ethical theory is Kantian ethics?

Deontological (duty-based), absolutist, and objective—morality is determined by reason, not consequences.

What is the good will, according to Kant?

Only the good will is good without qualification and to have a good will is to do your duty because it is your duty (other motivations are irrelevant)

How does the shopkeeper example illustrate the distinction between acting “out of duty” and “in accordance with duty”

Kant illustrates with a shopkeeper who lowers their prices out of a sense of moral duty to their customers. This person has a good will. Another shopkeeper might do the exact same action but out of greed to attract more customers

Even if both are following duty, the difference in intention prevents the latter one from having a good will

The only morally valid motivation for an action is respect for the moral law. It’s not morally wrong to act on our desires in accordance with duty, but it can’t be morally right

Outline the distinction between hypothetical and categorical imperatives

Hypothetical imperatives are conditional commands that tell us what we ought to do if we have a particular goal. They take the form: If you want X, then you should do Y.

Categorical imperatives, by contrast, are unconditional moral commands that apply to everyone, regardless of personal goals or desires. They take the form: "You ought to do Y, period."

What is the role of reason in Kantian ethics?

Reason is the source of moral laws—we must act rationally to determine what is morally right.

What is the Categorical Imperative?

A universal moral law that applies unconditionally, telling us what we must do regardless of desires or consequences.

What does Kant mean by ‘hypothetical imperative’?

Hypothetical imperatives are ‘If… then’…’ statements that tell us what we ought to do to achieve our

goals

What is the first formulation of the Categorical Imperative?

The Formula of Universal Law—"Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."

What does the Formula of Universal Law require?

A moral action must be universalisable—it must be possible for everyone to follow the rule without contradiction.

What are contradictions in conception and will?

Contradiction in conception: A rule that is logically impossible to universalise (e.g., lying—if everyone lied, trust would collapse).

Contradiction in will: A rule that is possible but we couldn’t rationally will to be universal (e.g., never helping others).

What is the second formulation of the Categorical Imperative?

The Formula of Humanity—"Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means."

What does treating people as ends in themselves mean?

Respecting their autonomy and dignity, not using them for personal gain

Give an example of treating someone merely as a means.

Deception—lying to someone to get what you want treats them as a tool, not a rational being.

How does Kantian ethics apply to lying?

Lying cannot be universalised (it creates a contradiction in conception), so it is always wrong.

What is the problem of clashing duties?

Kantian ethics provides absolute rules, but duties may conflict (e.g., the duty to tell the truth vs. the duty to protect someone).