Imperatives, A Good Will, Principles, Disadvantages
1 of 20
Imperatives
A type of statement which takes the form of a command or order
2 of 20
Two different types of imperatives
Hypothetical Imperatives: If you want this, do that. Dependent on wants and interest. Categorical Imperatives: No if/then. Independent of inclinations.
3 of 20
The problem with hypothetical imperatives
If the person does not meet the "if" part they will not be the "then" part. If something isn't in our interest then we would have no reason to do it.
4 of 20
Morality and Categorical Imperatives
Only one categorical imperative which has several forms
5 of 20
A Good Will
We must only be acting out of duty. Our reasons for acting matters not consequences.
6 of 20
A Good Will: Motivations
Two basic motivations - Inclination and duty - go against each other. E.g. I want this but I should do that.
7 of 20
A Good Will: Maxim
Maxim: A rule or reason for acting. Every action has one.
8 of 20
Three Motivations
Self interest, benevolence, or duty. Kant: should be duty. Shopkeepers.
9 of 20
Self-Interet
In certain situations, could lead to immoral actions
10 of 20
Benevolence
Inclinations may not match up with moral actions.
11 of 20
Duty
No situations in which this person is not moral.
12 of 20
The Moral Law: Principle of Universability
Your action should be universal, a law of nature. Everyone should be able to do it.
13 of 20
Two kinds of duties
Perfect duties: Inconsistent to will the maxim to become a universal law e.g. murder, lying. Imperfect duties: Not inconsistent but we would be unable to will the existence of this world e.g. charity
14 of 20
The law giver
We set the moral law, as rational creatures. Being rational = being consistent = apply principle of universability to maxim = being moral so rational = moral.
15 of 20
Do not use people as a means to an end
Treat people as an end in themselves because we are rational autonomous creatures
16 of 20
Evaluation
Possible problems: exceptionless moral law; possible problems: lying, possible problems: multiple maxims
17 of 20
Possible problems: exceptionalness moral law
Independent of consequence or context. Applies to everyone. This could be an advantage or a disadvantage.
18 of 20
Problem: Lying
Axe-murder. Kant: Yes, it would be wrong to lie as there may be consequences. OR "lie when it is in my benefit or someone else benefit to do so"
19 of 20
Problem: Multiple Maximes
Shafer-Landau: We don't know whether an action is right or wrong till we know its maxim. But there might be countless maxims that support it.
20 of 20
Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
A type of statement which takes the form of a command or order
Back
Imperatives
Card 3
Front
Hypothetical Imperatives: If you want this, do that. Dependent on wants and interest. Categorical Imperatives: No if/then. Independent of inclinations.
Back
Card 4
Front
If the person does not meet the "if" part they will not be the "then" part. If something isn't in our interest then we would have no reason to do it.
Back
Card 5
Front
Only one categorical imperative which has several forms
Comments
No comments have yet been made