Basic Knowledge
Who was Immanuel Kant?
A German Enlightenment philosopher who developed deontological ethics.
What is the categorical imperative?
A universal moral rule that must be followed in all situations.
What is the difference between acting in accordance with duty and acting from duty?
In accordance: doing the right action by chance or benefit.
From duty: doing it because it is morally right.
According to Kant, why is lying morally wrong?
It cannot be universalised without contradiction.
Identify one strength of Kant’s ethical theory.
It protects human dignity and rights.
What does the term deontological ethics mean?
Ethics based on duty and rules, not consequences.
What is meant by a maxim in Kantian ethics?
A personal rule or principle guiding an action.
What does Kant mean by good intention?
Acting with the motive of fulfilling moral duty.
How would Kant respond to a situation where lying could save someone’s life?
Kant would still say lying is wrong because duty must be followed.
Identify one weakness of Kant’s ethical theory.
It is very rigid and ignores consequences.
What does Kant mean by duty in moral decision-making?
A moral obligation to follow universal moral laws.
Explain the universal law formulation of the categorical imperative.
Act only according to rules you would want everyone to follow.
What are hypothetical imperatives?
Conditional rules based on goals
How does Kant’s theory relate to human dignity and respect for persons?
By insisting people must never be used merely as tools.
“Kant’s theory is too rigid to deal with moral dilemmas.” Give a supporting and critical argument to this statement.
Because rules must be followed even in extreme cases.
What is good will according to Kant?
The intention to do the morally right thing out of duty.
Explain the humanity formulation (treating people as ends, not means).
Treat people as ends in themselves, never merely as means.
Why does Kant reject hypothetical imperatives as a basis for morality?
Because morality should apply universally, not conditionally.
Apply Kant’s humanity formulation to an ethical issue such as exploitation or manipulation.
Exploitation is wrong because it treats people only as means.
Evaluate the criticism that Kant’s ethics ignores consequences.
Good intentions can still lead to harmful outcomes.
Explain why Kant believes good will is the only thing that is good without qualification
Because it is good in itself regardless of outcomes.
Assess whether the categorical imperative provides a reliable method for moral decision-making.
It provides clear rules but may be too rigid in complex situations.
Evaluate the importance Kant places on intention rather than consequences.
Because moral worth comes from motive, not results.
Evaluate whether Kant’s theory can handle real-life moral dilemmas.
Critics say it struggles because it allows little flexibility.
“Kant’s deontological ethics provides the best basis for moral decision-making.” Assess this view.
Some argue yes for its strong moral rules, but others prefer flexible theories.