Transcript Khantian Ethics: Rights Approach

Kantian Ethics:
Rights Approach
Ethical Theories Presentation
Prepared by:
Nicole George
Julie Bublitz
Bee Vang
Section: Thursday, 8:30
March 26, 2008
The Kantian Theory
“Each human being has dignity and
is worthy of respect. Human dignity
gives rise to fundamental rights.”
Immanuel Kant
The principle states:
"An action or policy is
ethical if it protects or
advances moral
rights."
CONTRIBUTORS

Immanuel Kant – “Categorical Imperative”
IMMANUEL KANT
Most important thing is not
consequences but the way choosers
think when they make choices.
 Only one thing is inherently good (good
will)
 Everyone has a worth or a dignity that
must be respected.

CONTRIBUTORS

John Rawls – “Justice as Fairness”
JOHN RAWLS

Each person is to have an equal right to
the most extensive total system of equal
basic liberties

Social and economic inequalities are to be
arranged so that it benefits both parties in
fairness and equality.
ADVANTAGES
1- Protection from exploitation
2- Prohibits favoritism
3- Justification of actions
4- Promoting happiness and preventing
harm
CRITICISMS
The Inhumanity of Kant's Moral Theory
CRITICISMS
The Question of Motivation
CRITICISMS
The Defeasibility of Duty
ETHICAL DILEMMA
Is it alright to lie as long as it is for
personal benefit?
FORMULA OF UNIVERSAL LAW
5 step Universalizability test:
1- Find the maxim: “I will lie for personal benefit”
2- Imagine everyone following that maxim
3- Contemplate contradictions
4- If contradiction occurs, no maxim
5- No contradiction, maxim is permissible
Truthfulness is an unconditional duty.
REVEIW QUESTIONS

Should rights be the sole consideration in
ethical decision-making?

Does following the categorical imperative
(what you do should be done by anybody in a
similar circumstance) guarantee that
everyone’s rights will be upheld?

Kant says that the only good thing is good will.
Is this necessarily true?