1. Rights Approach Presentation prepared by Anna Peachy, Kelsey Rickerman, and Angie Kelly LP: Ethical Theory Presentation Section: Tuesday, April 1 st 2008 @ 1:30 pm

2. Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach

3. Each human being has dignity and is worthy of respect. Human dignity gives rise to fundamental moral rights.

4. Rights Rights are legitimate claims persons have on others and society *Two kinds ~Protects human freedom ~Minimum level of well being

5. Categorical Imperative A Rule For Testing Rules Steps Consider the maxim Generalize the principle Perform test one Perform test two, if necessary

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Good Will K ant says that only one (kind of) thing is inherently good, and that is the good will.

9. Good Will We control will behind action Morally good action vs. morally right action. “Without qualification” Moral worth depends on motive

10. The Duality of the Human Situation ~Humans vs. Animals ~Morality

11. Criticisms ~Kant’s approach gives little aid for complex situations

12. Criticism ~Kant dismisses emotions such as pity and compassion as irrelevant to morality

13. Criticism ~Kant’s approach doesn’t take the consequences of actions seriously enough

14. Current Ethical Dilemma Euthenasia: Does the intent to relieve suffering outweigh the responsibility to preserve life? *Dr. Kevorkian

15. 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. 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.

16. Review Questions Review Questions 1. What do you consider the weakness of Kant’s Rights Approach? 2. What do you consider the strengths of Kant’s Rights Approach? 3. Do you see yourself using the Rights Approach in your life?