Ethics Exam 2
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“The present grounding is, however, intended for nothing other than seeking out the supreme principle of morality”
Kant’s goal is to find the single, highest principle that defines moral obligation
Categorical Imperative
Supreme principle of morality
What does supreme principle of morality tell us?
It tells us how to act morally regardless of personal desires or outcomes -unconditional command of reason
Kant’s 2 Kinds of Laws
Law of Nature = describes what does happen (physics) Law of Freedom = describes what ought to happen (ethics)
What kind of Laws are Moral Laws?
Moral Laws are laws of Freedom because they deal with what rational beings should do rather than what they actually do
What is Freedom
the ability to truly decide for myself
Self Legislation
acting on the basis of reason
Source of Freedom?
Reason
Freedom is not ________ & _________
comercially free & doing whatever you want
Autonomy
self rule, acting on your own accord, acting by laws that you’ve given yourself thru REASON
T/F Acting from Reason is true Freedom
True
Heteronomy
being ruled by external factors (desires, social norms, instinct)
T/F In Heteronomy, are you truly free?
No, we are instruments, not authors When we act heteronomously, we are instruments, not authors, of the purposes we pursue (S, 110)
What is Kant’s approach?
seeking universal (necessary and moral) law that can command all free beings
Why did Kant say universal law has to come from reason?
Morality must come within us, not from external factors
Why not Nature, Culture, or Happiness/Desires?
Nature = descriptive, not prescriptive Culture = relative Happiness/Desires = subjective
T/F Morality is about Motive?
True (it’s about how you act)
The Moral Worth of an actions lies specifically in it being done from ______
Motive of duty
Motive of Duty
doing something because it’s right, out of respect for the moral law and its binding authority as such
moral law is established and known thru reason alone, it consists of
pure reasons
Acting Freely = Acting Morally =
Acting from Reason
Fullest expression of freedom
morality
Formal principle of will
universal law that states every rational being would will if guided by reason
“Act only accordingly to the Maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law”
Before acting, ask yourself if the reason behind your action could logically and consistently be followed by everyone, if not your action isn’t moral