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Flashcards in Kantian Ethics Deck (22)
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1
Q

What were Kant’s values?

A

Happiness is the only intrinsic good.

2
Q

What were Kant’s priorities?

A

Happiness is not the most important value.

3
Q

Primary principle for interpersonal conduct for Kant.

A

Respect the autonomy of other persons: never treat them as mere means to your own ends.

4
Q

What did Kant believe?

A
  • Ethical relativism subordinates autonomy to social conformism.
  • Utilitarianism subordinates autonomy to irrational passions.
5
Q

Kant argues that…

A

As we are autonomous, we are entitled to make autonomous choices of principles to live by.

6
Q

Are mice or inanimate objects moral agents?

A

No.

7
Q

If Kant is right, do we value pleasure intrinsically?

A

Yes, however, we value self-respect more.

8
Q

How does self-awareness distinguish human beings?

A

We recognize ourselves and know our acts belong to us.

9
Q

How does reason distinguish human beings?

A

We can make judgements, including judgements of value.

10
Q

How does reflection distinguish human beings?

A

We can make judgements about ourselves and for others.

11
Q

What is a uniquely human object of value?

A

Dignity.

12
Q

What is a uniquely human goal of social relations?

A

Respect.

13
Q

What is a uniquely human ranking of values?

A

If we must choose, respect outranks happiness.

14
Q

What intuitions support Kant’s view?

A
  • Certain thought experiments (organ stealing doctors).
    • Also, Pedro had to choose to kill.
  • Inviolability of individuals (rights).
  • Our intuition that peoples motivations are important, not just the consequen
15
Q

Enlightenment

A
  • 1780’s.
  • Reason, rational human being.
  • The idea of progress, scientific knowledge (Newton).
  • Liberalism: pursuit of happiness (Mill).
16
Q

Human Autonomy

A
  • Giving oneself the law.

- Self-legislation.

17
Q

Happiness is conditional. Explain this.

A
  • Depends on the outcome of action.
  • Only freedom, that is, acting in accordance with duty, through a good will, needs no qualitifacions, or conditions.
    • Does not depend on the outcome of action.
  • Ice cream is good because we perceive it to be good.
18
Q

Is respect unconditionally valid or instrumental reasoning?

A

Unconditionally valid.

19
Q

Is liking ice cream unconditionally valid or instrumental reasoning?

A

Instrumental reasoning.

20
Q

Will

A

Part of us that is influenced by reason.

21
Q

To have a will is…

A
  • To be able to determine one’s action (decide what to do).
  • To be free.
  • To be able to give ourselves the law of our actions.
22
Q

Only ___ creatures have a will.

A

Rational.