Kantian Ethics and Utilitarianism: Key Concepts and Examples combined

In Kantian ethics, what everyday example does the professor give of using another person as a tool?

Lying to another person.

Why is lying wrong according to the Kantian example?

Lying short-circuits the other person's decision-making ability and prevents them from making a fully rational decision.

If someone lies to another person to accomplish their own goal, how is the other person being treated?

As a means/tool, rather than properly respecting them as an end.

What example does the professor give of a hypothetical imperative?

"If you want to play chess well, you should..."

Why is the chess example a hypothetical imperative?

Because the command is only binding if you have a particular wish or desire.

In a utilitarian scenario, whose interests should you consider?

Everyone involved in the scenario.

In a utilitarian scenario, does the person making the decision—the agent—get more importance?

No. The agent's interests have no special importance.

If doing what creates the greatest overall happiness requires sacrificing your own happiness, what should a utilitarian do?

Sacrifice their own happiness, because everyone's interests must be weighed impartially.

In a scenario, how does act utilitarianism determine the right action?

Look at the consequences for everyone involved in that specific situation.

In a scenario, how does rule utilitarianism determine the right action?

Consider the consequences for everyone involved in situations of that given kind.

In Kantian ethics, what everyday example does the professor give of using another person as a tool?

Lying to another person.

Why is lying wrong according to the Kantian example?

Lying short-circuits the other person's decision-making ability and prevents them from making a fully rational decision.

If someone lies to another person to accomplish their own goal, how is the other person being treated?

As a means/tool, rather than properly respecting them as an end.

What example does the professor give of a hypothetical imperative?

"If you want to play chess well, you should..."

Why is the chess example a hypothetical imperative?

Because the command is only binding if you have a particular wish or desire.

In a utilitarian scenario, whose interests should you consider?

Everyone involved in the scenario.

In a utilitarian scenario, does the person making the decision—the agent—get more importance?

No. The agent's interests have no special importance.

If doing what creates the greatest overall happiness requires sacrificing your own happiness, what should a utilitarian do?

Sacrifice their own happiness, because everyone's interests must be weighed impartially.

In a scenario, how does act utilitarianism determine the right action?

Look at the consequences for everyone involved in that specific situation.

In a scenario, how does rule utilitarianism determine the right action?

Consider the consequences for everyone involved in situations of that given kind.

One other thing I would make sure you know for scenario questions: your professor explicitly tells you how to test a maxim in Kant. Ask: Could my maxim become a rule everyone could follow? What would happen? Could it be universalized?

What does utilitarianism focus on when deciding whether an action is right?

The consequences the action produces.

What is another name for utilitarianism?

Consequentialism.

According to utilitarianism, when is an action considered right?

When it produces more positive than negative consequences.

What is the principle of utility?

We should produce the most favorable balance of good over bad, or benefit over harm, for everyone concerned.

What is the classic definition of utilitarianism?

An action is right if it produces the greatest balance of pleasure over pain for everyone.

What is the overall goal of utilitarianism?

To create the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people.

How does utilitarianism view each person's interests?

Everyone's interests count equally; no person's interests have greater weight than another's.

Does the person making the decision—the agent—get special consideration in utilitarianism?

No. The agent's happiness is no more important than anyone else's.

What might utilitarianism require you to sacrifice?

Your own happiness if doing so produces the better overall outcome.

What is act utilitarianism?

Judging an action based on its consequences for everyone involved in a specific situation.

What is rule utilitarianism?

Judging actions based on consequences for everyone involved in situations of a given kind.

What is the easiest way to remember utilitarianism?

Right action = best consequences for everyone.

What is the main focus of Kantian ethics?

Respect for persons.

What does Kant mean when he says to treat people as an "end"?

Respect them as people who have their own goals, purposes, and future prospects.

What does "means" mean in Kantian ethics?

A tool, thing, or method used to achieve a goal.

According to Kant, how should we treat humanity?

Always as an end and never as a means only.

Why is lying a problem according to Kant?

It interferes with another person's decision-making ability and prevents them from making fully rational decisions.

What is the easiest way to remember Kant's view of people?

Respect people; don't simply use them as tools.

What is an imperative?

A command.

What are the two types of imperatives?

Hypothetical imperatives and categorical imperatives.

What is a hypothetical imperative?

A command that is binding only if you have certain wishes or desires.

What is a categorical imperative?

A command that is binding whether you desire it or not.

Why are categorical imperatives binding?

Because we are rational beings.

What is a maxim?

The rule by which we propose to act in a specific set of circumstances.

What question should you ask when testing a maxim?

Could my maxim become a rule that everyone could follow?

What does it mean to universalize a maxim?

To ask whether the rule could become a rule everyone follows.

What is Kant's Categorical Imperative?

Act only according to a maxim that you could will to become a universal law.

What does utilitarianism primarily use to determine whether an action is right?

Consequences.

What does Kantian ethics primarily emphasize?

Respect for persons and following universal moral rules.

What is the simplest difference between utilitarianism and Kantian ethics?

Utilitarianism asks, "What produces the best consequences?" Kant asks, "Am I respecting people, and could everyone follow this rule?"