1. Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach LP: Ethical Theories Presentation Assessment Strategy #5 Rhonda, Anita, Chris, and Andrew March 31, 2008

2. Theory of Right Action “Each human has dignity and is worthy of respect. Human dignity gives rise to fundamental moral rights.”

3. Two Types of Rights 1.Protection of human freedom and the duty to not interfere with that freedom

4. Rights 2.Entitlement to what is minimally necessary to sustain well being

5. Categorical Imperative 1.Consider riles of action on which you are acting 2.Generalize that principle 3.Test one: If generalized version contradicts itself, then it is wrong to use that as a basis of action 4.Test two: If generalized version makes sense, then ask if you could live in a world where everyone follows that principle. 5.If so, then use that principle as a basis for action

6. Biography  Immanuel Kant was born in April 22, 1724 in Königsberg (the capital of East Prussia) Königsberg  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.

7. 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.

8. Kant’s Influence on the Rights Approach  The philosophical movement known as German Idealism developed from Kant's theoretical and practical writings. German Idealism German Idealism  Many British Roman Catholic writers, focused on Kant, promoted his work, trying to restore the philosophical legitimacy of belief in God.

9. 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

10. 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

11. Criticisms  Gives little leeway for complex situations –Conflict of duty  Dismisses emotions –Pity –Compassion  Consequences of actions not taken seriously

12. 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

13. 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?

14. 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 Immanuel Kant

15. Questions?