1. Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach Ethical Theories Presentation Prepared by: Nicole George Julie Bublitz Bee Vang Section: Thursday, 8:30 March 26, 2008

2. The Kantian Theory “Each human being has dignity and is worthy of respect. Human dignity gives rise to fundamental rights.”

3. Immanuel Kant The principle states: "An action or policy is ethical if it protects or advances moral rights."

4. CONTRIBUTORS Immanuel Kant – “Categorical Imperative”

5. 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.

6. CONTRIBUTORS John Rawls – “Justice as Fairness”

7. 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.

8. ADVANTAGES 1- Protection from exploitation 2- Prohibits favoritism 3- Justification of actions 4- Promoting happiness and preventing harm

9. CRITICISMS The Inhumanity of Kant's Moral Theory

10. CRITICISMS The Question of Motivation

11. CRITICISMS The Defeasibility of Duty

12. ETHICAL DILEMMA Is it alright to lie as long as it is for personal benefit?

13. 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

14. Truthfulness is an unconditional duty.

15. 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?