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(Chapter Five) Justice: What Matters Is The Motive / Immanuel Kant…
(Chapter Five) Justice: What Matters Is The Motive / Immanuel Kant (Formula of Humanity) 
Kant’s Case for Rights
Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) a philosopher who questioned utilitarianism
believed that morality is not about ultimate happiness, yet is about the individual and their respect.
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The Trouble with Maximizing Happiness
Kant disagrees with utilitarianism -- he believes utilitarianism leaves rights “vulnerable” (59). Along with that he believe just because something give many people pleasure does not mean it is right. A majority may favor a law, yet that does not mean the law is just.
“Pure practical reason.”
We are both conscious as well as logical creatures according to Kant. We respond to our feelings, so Bentham was half right with his theory.
"Kant argues that every person is worthy of respect, not because we own ourselves but because we are rational beings, capable of reason; we are also autonomous beings, capable of acting and choosing
freely'(Sandel,59).
What Is Freedom?
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What's Moral? Look for the Motive
"A good will is not because of what it effects or accomplishes," Kant writes.
Motive of Duty
Kant observed that, when we assess the moral worth of an action, we assess the motive from which it's done, not the consequences it produces.
Kant mentioned that, "If we act out of some motive other than duty, such as self=-interests, for example, our actions lacks moral worth."
Moral definition
Accordino to Kant, he moral worth of an action consists not n the consequences that flow from it, but in the intention from which he act is done.
Morality & Freedom
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Hypothetical Imperative: acting with kindness/decency with one's own selfish interest or ulterior motive.
Sex, Lies & Politics
Bill Clinton
Kant would say that Bill Clinton did not outright lie, but he used misleading statements to help him out of the scandal. Because of this, he was still upholding the moral law by telling the "truth" and did the right thing. This example was used to highlight the difference between a misleading truth and an outright lie.
Kant & Justice
Kant Rejects utilitarianism: "a just constitution aims at harmonizing each individual’s freedom with that of everyone
else" (Sandel, 74). He states that values of others would be pushed on each other with this theory.
Kant's Social Contract: "legitimate government must be based on an original contract, 'we need by no means assume that this contract . . . actually exists as a fact, for it cannot possibly be so'." (Sandel, 74)
"Imaginary Contract": "Just as the moral law can't rest on the interests or desires of individuals, principles of justice can't rest on the interests or desires of a community. The mere fact that a group of people in the past agreed to a constitution is not enough to make that constitution just" (Sandel, 74)
The contract must be ever changing to keep up with the morals of the time. Kant called this contract an "idea of reason".
Wrong to Lie to A Murderer?
If a murderer came into your home to harm your friend, would you tell the killer where they are?
Kant would say to tell the truth to the killer. This is because he believes that we have a duty to be truthful, as we have no control over the consequences. The principle of truthfulness is most important, as if we make exceptions, the moral law will unravel.
Case Against Casual Sex
Kant believes that casual sex (sex outside marriage), as he believes it is immoral and degrading. He states that "we
do not own ourselves and are not at our own disposal". (Sandel, 70)
Kant's views casual sex & prostitution highlight the concept of autonomy and the moral law - even though we are free to do so, are we valuing ourselves and others if we partake in such activities for the sake of desire and sexual gratification.
Supreme Principle of Morality
(Morality): duty v. inclination
Kant believes you have a duty of law, and only your motive of duty to can confer moral worth on the action you take.
(freedom): autonomy vs heteronomy
Kant believes we should act on autonomy (laws by self) when discussing freedom relating to morality and not heteronomy (determined externally and outside of the self)
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"Respect of Persons" is also what the supreme principle of morality is known as and Kant's main points suggests that
1) you should always treat persons (including yourself) and ends in themselves, never merely as a means to your own ends.
2) Act only on that maxim (rule or principle that gives reason for your action without contradiction) that you consistently will to be a universal law.
(Reason): categorical vs. hypothetical imperatives
Hypothetical imperatives are essentially morals conditioned on a persons personal motives and desires while as categorical imperatives are commands that must be followed regardless of your personal motives/desires.
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