Transcript Categorical Imperative

Immanuel Kant: One More Time
The aim yesterday was to be able to....
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Explain Kant’s theory on moral ethics
Explain the term ‘categorical imperative’
Can you do this yet?
Key Terms
Enlightenment:
Categorical Imperative
Universal Law:
Maxim:
A priori:
Key Terms
Enlightenment: An 18thCentury philosophical
movement based on human reason
Categorical Imperative: Acting in such a way that
where you consider what might happen if the
principle of your action became a moral law for
everyone
Universal Law: A law that applies to all people
Maxim: A principle or a rule
A priori: The Categorical Imperative is a priori,
meaning that we can see that something is true
without having to experience it first.
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For Kant, morality should be based on reason
and duty – not on feelings, or consequences
He believed in God but held that morality should
be autonomous
His ideas are appealing to both religious an
non-religious people
“Let's cut out the grey areas of
morality and get some
concrete RIGHT and
WRONGS”
There is a moral law (existing in
each of us) that we must
obey! Anyone who has the
ability to reason knows this
moral law!
Kant says “Do the right
thing - no matter what!”
Or he'll set Ronald
McDonald on you
What's right is right and what's wrong is wrong.
No grey areas.
Kant referred to the Categorical Imperative
Kant referred to the Categorical Imperative
Categorical: Something which applies in all
situations. Without exception
Imperative: Something which you must do
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
1. All actions must be able to be made into
universal laws
2. Every human being must be treated as an
end rather than a means to an end
3. You must always behave as if you are the
absolute moral authority of the entire universe
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
1. All actions must be able to be made into
universal laws
For Example
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Copying homework
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Lieing to parents
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Taking a short cut through someone else's
garden
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
2. Every human being must be treated as an end
rather than a means to an end
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
2. Every human being must be treated as an end
rather than a means to an end
No manipulation of others
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
2. Every human being must be treated as an end
rather than a means to an end
No manipulation of others
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No white lies either!
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
3. You must always behave as if you are the
absolute moral authority of the entire universe
3 Maxims (or Principles) to the
Categorical Imperative
3. You must always behave as if you are the
absolute moral authority of the entire universe
Personal
responsibility!
Group Task
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Collect a worksheet and read it as a group
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Record answers
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Consider carefully what your personal
responsibilities are to do with each right.
There may be more than one for each
Try to avoid simply saying “I need to make sure others have
the same right”.
Reminder
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What were the categorical imperatives that
you created?
Group Task
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Do you like Kant?
As a group, discuss what you like about kantian
ethics
Group Task
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Do you like Kant?
As a group, identify possible problems that you
may come across with Kant's categorical
imperative.
Problem!
Look closely at the 2nd Maxim
1. All actions must be able to be made into universal
laws
2. Every human being must be treated as an end
rather than a means to an end
3. You must always behave as if you are the absolute
moral authority of the entire universe
Problem!
What if an axe murderer came to your home and asked
where your kids were sleeping?
Problem!
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It is WW2. There are Jews hiding in your
basement. Nazi officers arrive and ask you if
you are hiding any Jews. What would Kant say
you should do?
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Wee Abbey’s rabbit was mauled to death by her
dog. Her Dad cuts a fake hole in the hutch and
pretends to Abbey that the bunny escaped.
What would Kant say about this?
According to Kantian ethics, you would HAVE to
tell the truth.
Of course – it's your duty not to lie!
Don’t you get it? There ARE NO
EXCEPTIONS! Act morally,
regardless of the consequences. My
genius is wasted on you ignorant
buffoons!
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Should reason always be the only basis of
moral decision making???
Kant’s ethical theory is sometimes referred to
as Duty and Reason....
.....any ideas why???
Purple RMPS Book
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Read p77
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Answer the Qs
The key
principles of
Kantian ethics