Kant's Philosophy: Reason, Morality, and Epistemology

What is Kant's main objective in his critique of reason?

To rehabilitate reason and show it is stronger than Hume claimed.

How does Kant view the relationship between reason and objects?

Kant believes that reason makes objects exist; without humans, there would be no objects.

What are the four subjects Kant focuses on in his critique of reason?

Math, Science, Metaphysics, Morality.

What is an analytic a priori judgment?

A statement whose opposite is not possible and can be known without experience.

What is an analytic a posteriori judgment?

A statement whose opposite is not possible and can only be known through experience (though Kant notes there are no such judgments).

What is a synthetic a posteriori judgment?

A statement whose opposite is possible and can only be known through experience.

What is a synthetic a priori judgment?

A statement whose opposite is possible and can be known without experience.

How does Kant classify the judgment 'There is a God'?

As a synthetic a priori judgment.

What do the terms phenomena and noumena mean in Kant's philosophy?

Phenomena are things we experience; noumena are things beyond our experience.

What is Kant's view on the existence of God and the soul?

Kant believes both exist, citing faith as his reason for belief in God.

What is the categorical imperative in Kant's moral theory?

A command that applies universally, guiding moral behavior.

What does Kant consider to be the only thing that is 100% good?

A good will, defined by good intentions in moral decisions.

What is the difference between duty and inclination according to Kant?

Duty is what one ought to do based on moral law; inclination is based on personal desire.

What does Kant say about performing duty despite inclination?

One deserves praise for doing their duty even when they do not want to.

What does the categorical imperative ask us to consider before acting?

Whether we want the rule guiding our behavior to become a universal law.

What example does Kant use to illustrate the categorical imperative?

If someone drops $100, one should consider if they want everyone to take lost items.

What lesson does Kant convey regarding doing the right thing?

It is often harder to do the right thing when one wants to do the wrong thing.

What is the significance of Kant's critique of Hume?

Kant aims to counter Hume's skepticism about reason and its capabilities.

How does Kant's view of reason differ from Hume's?

Kant believes reason is foundational to the existence of objects, while Hume treats it as separate.

What does Kant mean by saying our reason is powerful?

Humans bring meaning to the world and its objects through reason.

What is the relationship between intention and outcome in Kant's moral philosophy?

The intention behind actions is more important than the outcomes they produce.

What does Kant argue about moral actions and personal desires?

Moral actions often require overcoming personal desires or inclinations.

How old was Kant when he published his first major work, The Critique of Pure Reason?

Kant was fifty-seven years old.

Which philosopher significantly affects Kant's work and is referred to as 'that acute man'?

Hume.

How is Kant's critique of reason described?

It is a critique that lays out its structure, explains its relationship to its objects, and delineates the limits within which it can legitimately work.

What kinds of questions do math, natural science, metaphysics, and morality contain according to Kant?

Critical questions.

What phrase means we must appeal to experience to determine truth or falsity?

A posteriori.

What phrase means we know something is true without reference to experience?

A priori.

What word means the denial yields a contradiction?

Analytic.

What word means it does more than explicate or analyze a concept?

Synthetic.

What are the four possibilities that result from combining previous words and phrases?

Analytic a priori, Analytic a posteriori, Synthetic a posteriori, Synthetic a priori.

What judgment is 'Every mother has a child' an example of?

Analytic a priori.

Which judgment is considered empty, meaning there are none of them?

Analytic a posteriori.

What is an example of synthetic a priori?

A question mark or the phrase 'there is a God'.

What judgment is 'There is a Waterloo in both Iowa and Wisconsin'?

Synthetic a posteriori.

What do we experience and what do we not experience according to the section titled 'Phenomena and Noumena'?

We experience phenomena but do not experience noumena.

What is defined as an empty representation of an unknown X?

'I'.

What does Kant deny in order to make room for faith?

Knowledge of God's existence.

What phrase describes things that are good only if used well?

'Good without qualification'.

Which kinds of commands qualify as acts of will?

Only internal commands that come at the end of a process of rational deliberation.

What word is defined as the necessity of an act done out of respect for the law?

Duty.

What does it mean to universalize a maxim?

Considering the case in which everyone acts according to something.