Kantian Ethics

Definition

Kantian ethics is a deontological moral philosophy developed by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. It is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than on the consequences of the action. The core of Kantian ethics is the Categorical Imperative, which states that one should 'act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.'

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kantian ethics is based on the idea that the rightness or wrongness of an action depends on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, not its consequences.
2. The Categorical Imperative is the core principle of Kantian ethics, which states that one should act only in accordance with maxims that could become universal laws.
3. Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of acting out of duty, rather than based on emotions, desires, or the expected outcomes of an action.
4. Kant believed that moral rules must be universal and applicable to all rational beings, not just specific individuals or circumstances.
5. Kantian ethics is considered a deontological theory because it judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule, not its consequences.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Categorical Imperative is the central principle of Kantian ethics and how it differs from consequentialist theories.
  • The Categorical Imperative is the core principle of Kantian ethics, which states that one should act only in accordance with maxims that could become universal laws. This differs from consequentialist theories, such as utilitarianism, which judge the morality of an action based on its consequences. Kantian ethics focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, based on whether it adheres to a universal moral rule, rather than on the outcomes it produces.
• Describe the role of duty in Kantian ethics and how it relates to the idea of acting from reason rather than emotion or desire.
  • In Kantian ethics, the concept of duty is paramount. Kant believed that moral actions should be performed out of a sense of duty, rather than based on emotions, desires, or expected outcomes. Acting from duty means doing what is morally right because it is morally right, not because it will lead to a desired result. This emphasis on reason over emotion or personal gain is a key aspect of Kantian ethics and distinguishes it from other moral theories that focus more on the consequences of actions.
• Analyze how Kantian ethics' focus on universal moral rules and the Categorical Imperative relates to the requirements of a normative moral theory, as discussed in the context of 9.1 Requirements of a Normative Moral Theory.
  • Kantian ethics' emphasis on universal moral rules and the Categorical Imperative aligns with the requirements of a normative moral theory, as discussed in 9.1 Requirements of a Normative Moral Theory. Kant believed that moral rules must be applicable to all rational beings, not just specific individuals or circumstances. This universality requirement is a key feature of a normative moral theory, which aims to provide guidance on how one ought to act. Additionally, the Categorical Imperative's focus on the inherent rightness or wrongness of an action, rather than its consequences, relates to the idea that a normative moral theory should be able to evaluate the morality of actions independently of their outcomes.

Related terms

Deontology:

The ethical theory that the morality of an action depends on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than on the consequences of the action.

Categorical Imperative:

Kant's central principle of ethics, which states that one should act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.

Duty: In Kantian ethics, the moral obligation to act in accordance with the Categorical Imperative, regardless of one's desires or the consequences of the action.