Deontological Ethics

Chapter III: Deontological Ethics - Immanuel Kant

Learning Outcomes

• Understand meaning of deontological ethics.

• Explain the categorical imperative.

• Articulate the role of duty in live ethically.

• Apply categorical imperative to moral dilemmas.

Introduction

• Kafka’s story highlights the search for meaning and the individual's responsibility in ethical life.

• Discusses the challenge of communication between the king's message and the awaiting audience.

Immanuel Kant's Philosophy

• Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) emphasizes autonomy in moral reasoning.

• Argues that ethics must be independent from religion.

• Key elements:

  • Reason: Foundation of ethics.

  • Goodwill: Source of moral actions.

  • Duty: Motivation for ethical behavior.

The Role of Duty

• Duty is defined as obligations derived from reason, actionable and universalizable.

• Human participation in ethical action is central to autonomy.

• Each individual must determine their duties through their reasoning.

Categorical Imperative

• A guiding principle stating that moral actions must be universally applicable.

• Individuals should be treated as ends in themselves, not merely as means to an end.

Ethical Relation to Religion

• Kant argues ethics should be independent of religious dictates.

• Religion should reflect and support the ethical duty defined by human reason.

• Ethics focuses on duty rather than personal happiness.

Happiness and Ethical Living

• Happiness is related to ethical actions but not a motivator for duty.

• Those who fulfill their duties are deserving of happiness, viewed as a 'gift' rather than a right.

• Efforts in ethical living aim for worthiness of happiness, analogous to courtship—one cannot compel affection but can be worthy of it.