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Kantian Ethics - it is a deontological theory, which is absolutist. The…
Kantian Ethics - it is a deontological theory, which is absolutist. The whole theory rests upon good will and duty.
Reason, good will and duty
Kant believed to live a life of true enlightenment, you must lead your life following your reason. He thought this was how you achieved true autonomy. By not doing this, he believed people lived a 'heteronymous' life, which meant people would never live a life that was ever fully their own.
Reason should be the only moral law we should follow as it is the only thing knowable; it is the only way we are free to flourish. Some people are frightened by using pure reason to lead them, but Kant argued that true reason overrules appetites and desires, and such temptations.
Kant believed reason enabled us to reflect on ourselves. We find an awareness of things in life that need to be done, so reason recognises the centrality of duty.
'Duty' is what we ought to do, and what is morally required of humans. Our free will, can tell is what is good. Kant said we should will what is right.
Only good will is the truly good thing, as it is intrinsically good. having good motives and intentions.
Kant gives an example of a 'good shopkeeper', who has been honest in all his dealings and business since the day he opened the shop. The shopkeeper is doing his duty, because it will lead to the right outcome. He is doing what he should, and not doing it in order to be rewarded with praise.
The categorical imperative is an absolute, unconditional moral obligation we must do at all times. Kant said our moral duties were this. The categorial imperative was split into three, in order for a clear and specific structure for people to follow as a requirement on how to live.
The hypothetical imperative acknowledges that there are moral obligations we must do in order to achieve particular goals. There is no requirement to follow it, but it is how we should act in order to achieve something
The Principle of Universalizability was the idea that we should only commit certain actions if everyone were to do them, almost as if it was a universal law.
- attempts to promotes equality and avoids discrimination
-promotes a healthy dynamic for society
-very unrealistic
The person as an ends is the idea that everyone should be treated as an 'end-in-themselves', rather than as mere objects.
-it promotes dignity and respect
-pushes for growth of character in humans, and allows them to appreciates second-order goods.
The Kingdom of ends asks you to imagine you are a law-making member of society, who has the power to ensure that your actions ensue equality for everyone in this imaginary state.
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The Three Postulates are an attempt to say that if the postulates work then then his theory must work.
The postulates are things that have to be assumed or a basis for reasoning:
-Freedom
-Immorality
-God exists
Pojman argued that good intentions can sometimes lead to appalling consequences, the good motives can end up leading to evil effects, e.g. Hitler's attempt to build a master race.