Deontology & Kantian Ethics

17 important questions on Deontology & Kantian Ethics

In Deontology, what does 'deon' mean?

Duty

Deontology is primarily concerned with what?

Certain rules and duties.

What is the Divine Command theory?

An act is morally good because it is determined by God's commands.
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When and where was Immanuel Kant born?

He was born in 1724 (died in 1804) in German (now Russian) Koningsbergen (Now Kaliningrad)

Controversially to Kant, he expressed the idea that...?

He expressed the idea that reason was not evenly found in all human beings.

According to Kant, what is the function of 'reason'?

It allows us to find the source of right or wrong. It allows us to be moral (what is moral can be discerned by reason).

What era has inspired Immanuel Kant?

The Enlightenment.

What are connections between Immanuel Kant and the Enlightenment?

- Emphasis on reason as source of knowledge.
- Reason can uncover (moral) truths.
- Belief in universally valid (moral) laws.
- Reason grounds moral worth of human beings.

What are three aims in Kantian Ethics?

1. Kant seeks to ground what is good, independently of subjective views or uncertain outcomes.
2. Kant's aim is to develop an account of what is good that is objective and universal:  i.e. Moral laws that apply for everyone and everywhere.
3. The basis for these moral laws cannot lie in our empirical world and should therefor be unvovered through deliberation, using reason.

What is the 'Golden Rule?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

What criticism towards the Golden Rule exists?

It sometimes fails to provide us with help in moral questions. For example: a masochist might want to hurt someone because he likes to be hurt as well.

What is the 'instrument' called, that helps guide people in recognising moral laws?

The Categorical Imperative.

What rule describes the categorical imperative?

''Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law''. This is also called the principle of universalisability.

A maxime is a rule of action. With what thinking can we use this within universal laws?

''What would it be like if everyone would act on this maxim? Can it become universal law?''.

Name an example of a maxim and universal law.

You make a promise you don't intend to keep (this is the maxim). What would a world where everyone makes false promises, look like? Could this become a universal law?

Describe the three-step test for Categorical Imperatives.

1. Create the maxim. -> 2. Could the maxime be universal law? -> 3. Does it respect humanity as an end? -> 4. Could it be agreed by everyone? -> it becomes a moral law.
If it fails one of these steps, your maxime would be morally wrong.

What is some criticism of Kantian Ethics?

1. Categorical Imperatives could produce awkward situations or bad outcomes. For example: not lying does not always seem good.
2. Many people were excluded from full consideration through a denial of their rational nature.
3. Is it only morally good to act from duty rather than just wanting to help others?
4. Is Kant too far removed from moral intuitions?

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