Religion and Ethics (Lent term)

Kantian Ethics

A normative theory, deontological, a priori, concerned with action not consequence, Good Will

Good Will (Kant)

The will whose end is good - the duty to do good for goodness' sake

Autonomy

We are free to make our own choices

Heteronomy

The state of being directed by others in decision-making

Categorical Imperative

What our reason teaches us must always be done, impartial, rejects heteronomy

Hypothetical Imperative

What we can do to achieve a particular goal

Maxim

A rule that connects an action to the reasons for the action

Deontological

An ethical theory which ignores outcomes, focuses on duty and whether the act is good

Postulate

A principle that is accepted as true, but without proof

First form of the Categorical Imperative

We should only do what we are willing for everyone to do (act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law)

Second form of the Categorical Imperative

People should be treated as individuals and not used for personal gain (treat other human beings as an end in their own right, never as a means to an end)

Third form of the Categorical Imperative

You should behave as a role model for others (act as though you are a member of a law kingdom of ends)

Summon Bonnum (Kant)

The highest good, cannot be achieved in this world

Noumenal Realm (Kant)

Intelligible world, constant and unchanging

Phenomenal Realm (Kant)

Sensible world, the world as it appears to us, changing and transient

The Three Levels of Human Nature (Kant)

Universal will (Wille), Free will (Willkie), Instincts (Bestimmung)

Universal Will (Wille)

Potential to be rational, imperative to develop a 'good will'

Free Will (Willkur)

Faculty of choice allowing us to act however we want

Instincts (Bestimmung)

Basic animal drives, essential to life

Kant's Moral Problem (the Universe as rational)

Virtuous people are happy, wicked people suffer

Kant's Moral Problem (the Universe is irrational)

In the world, some wicked people prosper, some virtuous people suffer

Three Postulates of Pure Practical Reason

1. We must be free to be able to make decisions

2. There must be an afterlife to be able to achieve summon bonnum

3. God must exist to be a fair judge to determine whether we go to the afterlife or not