Transcript Virtue Theory

Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach
LP: Ethical Theories Presentation
Assessment Strategy #5
Rhonda, Anita, Chris, and Andrew
March 31, 2008
Theory of Right Action
“Each human has dignity and is worthy of
respect. Human dignity gives rise to
fundamental moral rights.”
Two Types of Rights
1. Protection of human
freedom and the duty
to not interfere with
that freedom
Rights
2. Entitlement to what is
minimally necessary
to sustain well being
Categorical Imperative
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Consider riles of action on which you are acting
Generalize that principle
Test one: If generalized version contradicts itself, then it
is wrong to use that as a basis of action
Test two: If generalized version makes sense, then ask if
you could live in a world where everyone follows that
principle.
If so, then use that principle as a basis for action
Biography
Immanuel Kant was born in April 22, 1724 in
Königsberg (the capital of East Prussia)
Spent his entire life in and around his
hometown, never more than 50 miles. Died
Feb. 12, 1804
He was baptized as 'Emanuel' but later
changed his name to 'Immanuel’ after he
learned Hebrew.
Young Adult Life
In his youth, he was an unspectacular
student
Raised Pietistic, a religion that stressed
intense religious devotion, personal humility,
and a literal interpretation of the Bible.
Due to his upbringing he was taught Latin
and religious instruction over mathematics
and science.
Kant’s Influence on the Rights
Approach
 The philosophical movement known as
German Idealism developed from Kant's
theoretical and practical writings.
 Many British Roman Catholic writers,
focused on Kant, promoted his work, trying
to restore the philosophical legitimacy of
belief in God.
Influences…
 Some writers believe that some of Kant’s
ideas paved the way for Hitler and the Nazi
party.
 Kant spurned individual happiness as a
matter of no moral worth
Influences….
 The Nazis rejected reason – Kant taught
that reason can teach us nothing of the
world beyond mere appearance
 Hitler's movement demanded that
individuals sacrifice themselves for the
common good
Criticisms
 Gives little leeway for complex situations
– Conflict of duty
 Dismisses emotions
– Pity
– Compassion
 Consequences of actions not taken
seriously
Current Dilemma
 Abortion: Pro-life vs. Pro-choice
 Unborn children have the right to life
– Pro-life
 Women have the right to make a choice
– Pro-choice
 Both sides promote a right, but conflict with
each other
Review Questions
1.
What are the basic steps used to make a moral decision?
2.
True or False: Kant was a worldly scholar and traveled
the world promoting his ideas.
3.
What can you see as a problem with this theory?
4.
Do you believe that lying could be morally acceptable in
certain situations using this theory?
That all our knowledge begins with
experience, there is indeed no
doubt....but although our knowledge
originates WITH experience, it does
not all arise OUT OF experience.
Immanuel Kant
Questions?