short
state Kants categorical imperiatve
“Act only on the maxims that could become a universal law”
good will is the only good thing without qualification.
objection
good in itself regardless of results
objection: intentions alone are not enough to determine morality
cheating: kants stance
bad. rooted from self-interest instead of duty. if we all cheat than there is no real advantage if it became universal
define and give an example of a hypothetical imperative. How is it different than a categorical
imperative?
tells you what you OUGHT to do (if you wanna, then you gotta)
personal vs universal
ex. if you want to talk to your parents you gotta pick up the phone to call them
a] humanity is an end in
itself, [b] one must treat humanity AS an end in itself and [b] one must NEVER treat humanity as a mere
means. Give an example that highlights your understanding
a. their value does not depend on the usefulness or any external aspects
b. we must not use people solely as to achieve our own goals
"i wont ever help": kants stance
bad because we are not required to help people all the time, but we are obligated to promote others welfare when we can.
how does kant define duty
Kant defines duty as the necessity of acting from respect from the moral law
mistake to follow a role model
objection
relies on examples and moral principles are grounded in priori reason not observation
learning from role models in childhood is how we learn right from wrong
I have a strong desire to help and I honestly get a great deal of
delight from the interactions I have with my new friends at the shelter each week.” Would Kant
claim that Sam’s action has moral worth? (a simple “yes” or “no” will suffice) Why or why not?
(explain your answer in 1-3 sentences)
no, lacks moral worth bc it comes from personal desire instead of moral duty
Define “a priori”.
give contrasting term
A priori is knowledge that is independent from experience and comes from reason alone. For example mathematical facts like 2+2=4. The contrasting term is “posteriori,” which refers to knowledge that depends on experience or observation (the sky is blue”). He hopes to defend a moral philosophy that is a priori.