Transcript Khantian Ethics: Rights Approach

Rights Approach
Presentation prepared by Anna Peachy, Kelsey
Rickerman, and Angie Kelly
LP: Ethical Theory Presentation
Section: Tuesday, April 1st 2008 @ 1:30 pm
Immanuel Kant
(1724-1804)
 Kantian
Ethics:
Rights Approach
Kantian Ethics:
Rights Approach
Each human being has dignity and is
worthy of respect.
 Human dignity gives rise to fundamental
moral rights.

Rights

Rights are legitimate claims persons
have on others and society
*Two kinds
~Protects human freedom
~Minimum level of well being
Categorical Imperative
A Rule For Testing Rules

Steps
Consider the maxim
 Generalize the principle

Perform test one
 Perform test two, if necessary

Example One
Using test one
Maxim: I may make a false promise…
 Generalized: Anyone may make a false
promise…
~This is self-contradictory because:
If anyone may make a …
 Result: I may not act on that maxim.
 The maxim fails Test One.

Example Two
Using test one and two
Maxim: I may refuse to help another…
 Generalized: Anyone may refuse to
help…
~Can it be conceived? Yes.
~Could you will to be universal law?
 Result: You cannot act on the "Bad
Samaritan" maxim.

Good Will
Kant says that only one (kind of)
thing is inherently good, and that
is the good will.
Good Will

We control will behind action

Morally good action vs. morally right
action.

“Without qualification”

Moral worth depends on motive
The Duality of the Human
Situation
~Humans vs. Animals
~Morality
Criticisms
~Kant’s
approach gives
little aid for
complex
situations
Criticism
~Kant dismisses emotions such
as pity and compassion as
irrelevant to morality
Criticism
~Kant’s approach doesn’t take
the consequences of actions
seriously enough
Current Ethical Dilemma
Euthenasia: Does the intent to
relieve suffering outweigh the
responsibility to preserve life?
*Dr. Kevorkian
Conclusion
After two hundred years, Kant remains
an absolutely central figure in the Rights
Approach, one from whom we can learn
much even when we disagree with him.
Review Questions
1.
2.
3.
What do you consider the weakness of
Kant’s Rights Approach?
What do you consider the strengths of
Kant’s Rights Approach?
Do you see yourself using the Rights
Approach in your life?