Revision:Kantian Ethics

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Ethics

Links to the previous Kantian Ethics revision notes are at the BOTTOM of the article. Not sure who to credit them to, so if said person would like to put that on here, go for it :)

Apologies for poor formatting, not quite as clearly laid out as i'd like...

Kantian Ethics

Basic Theory: Transcendent Idealism – (based on reason) - Theory that humans’ construct knowledge by imposing universal concepts on to sensory experience.

3 Significant ideas:

1. Human Reason is central to determining moral truth.

2. Individual freedom and autonomy are essential.

3. ‘Duty’ to be moral is also important (deontology)

One more little concept: Morality exists independently of Human existence. It is universal – The idea of it varying across societies/individuals is incoherent

Morality = Apriori (independent of experience). Can’t know moral truths through observation or psychology, only through pure use of reason can we know morality.

Kant Rejects empiricism. He also rejects the idea that happiness is the basis of morality – because it is based on subjective pleasure and therefore cannot be universalised.

Kant believed that once the moral laws were found, the use of these rules would free humanity to be autonomous individuals

Moral laws could be identified through [maxims].:E.g. goodwill and trust

[Subjective moral principles which demand practical application]

Moral issues can be approached in 2 ways: - Instinctively = selfish - Using reason and Maxims = Good

The Categorical Imperative

Kants method of identifying which maxims could become moral laws was called his categorical imperative. The C.I. is made up of three tests/principles:

1.Universal Law Principle

2.Principle of Humanity as an end not a means

3.Principle of a universal kingdom of ends

Universal Law principle = Nothing Moral can be a law if it cannot be universalised (applied to everyone in every similar situation) E.g. Lying, suicide, borrowing money etc. If everyone did it, it would result in chaos.

Principle of Ends not Means = All people are equal and hold equal intrinsic value. It is therefore wrong to do something which helps one person at the detriment to another, even the self. E.g. giving to charity.

Principle of Kingdom of Ends = All people and societies should strive to achieve the same goals. All work to the same ends. E.g. if everyone works towards a peaceful community, it will be achieved.

Other Facts about Kantian ethics

- Important, but not really the core of his theory:

Kant believed that the transcendent moral laws were created by God. However he rejects the divine command theory and the idea of Direct revelation.

Kant’s Hypothetical Imperative – Where C.I. won’t do.

Commands which may go against a C.I. principle in order to achieve a C.I. goal.

E.g. Categorical imperative is that people shouldn’t be in poverty. However, in order to solve poverty in the third world would involve solutions such as the cancellation of third world debt. Debt cancellation is not a practice which can be universalised by C.I. Therefore the H.I is used.

Hypothetical imperative = If I want to achieve ‘X’, I ought to do ‘Y’.

One of the Goals which should be striven towards is the Summum Bonum (Highest Good). --> Unison of Duty (virtue) and Happiness.

Strengths of Kants’ Theory

1.Straightforward theory to follow -> It is based on Reason which is appealing.

2.Clear-cut criteria on morality.

3.Moral value of an action derives from an action rather than an external source like God is a coherent idea.

4.Respects Human life and Equality.

5.Non-Selfish, it focuses on the ‘greater good’ whilst still valuing minorities. Unlike Utilitarianism which almost ignores minorities.

6.Intrinsic value of Humans – an idea which has been the basis of the declaration of human rights.

Weaknesses of Kants’ Theory

1.Can use Universability to justify almost anything.

2.‘Duty’ emphasis separates morality from feelings + emotions = Cold?

3.Following this code blindly doesn’t result in consideration of consequences.

4.Only works as a theory if everyone follows it to the letter --> Puts moral people at a disadvantage against immoral/irrational people.

5.Conflicting duties

W.D. Ross altered the theory in order to address criticisms.

W.D Ross named 7 Prima Facie (first glance) duties, which were more flexible and could be applied to everyday, individual situations.

1. Fidelity (honesty)

2. Reparation

3. Gratitude

4. Justice

5. Benevolence

6. Self-Improvement

7. Non-Malificence

The point of these duties is similar to that of the hypothetical imperative, however because C.I. and H.I. require a process to be followed in order to function. This isn't practical in 'spur of the moment' Situations.

Weakness of Ross’ alterations

Doesn’t state which of the 7 we should use and when. No Hierachy of duties.

Written by Steve Collins. If you have any comments or want me to put up any more notes on any other aspect of AS/A2 then don't hesitate to PM me or comment on this article. Also if you've anything to add or think i've made any mistakes (which i may have done though i think most of it's sound) , feel free to edit/add to as you see fit ^_^

This is the previous article content

Don't understand Kantian Ethics see: http://kdkchadha.blogspot.com/2010/03/kantian-ethics.html

Strengths and Weaknesses can be found here: http://kdkchadha.blogspot.com/2011/03/evaluation-of-kantian-ethics.html