Immanuel Kant: One More Time

The aim yesterday was to be able to.... 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 18 th Century 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.

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

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 Copying homework Lieing to parents Taking a short cut through someone else's garden

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 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 3 Maxims (or Principles) to the Categorical Imperative Personal responsibility!

Group Task Collect a worksheet and read it as a group Record answers 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 What were the categorical imperatives that you created?

Group Task Do you like Kant? As a group, discuss what you like about kantian ethics

Group Task 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 2 nd 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! 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?

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!

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 Read p77 Answer the Qs

The key principles of Kantian ethics