Overview
This lecture introduces Immanuel Kant's ethical theory, focusing on his reasoning-based approach to morality and the concept of categorical imperatives, contrasting it with religion-based ethics.
Kant’s Approach to Morality
- Kant believed morality should be grounded in reason, not religion.
- Moral truths, like math, are universal and constant for all rational beings.
- Morality applies to everyone, regardless of beliefs or desires.
Hypothetical vs. Categorical Imperatives
- Hypothetical imperatives: "If-then" statements based on personal desires (e.g., "If you want money, get a job").
- These are not moral rules but guidelines for achieving specific goals.
- Categorical imperatives: Moral commands that must be followed regardless of personal desires.
The Categorical Imperative: Two Key Formulations
1. The Universalizability Principle
- "Act only according to that maxim which you can will to become a universal law without contradiction."
- A maxim is a principle of action; a universal law applies in all similar cases.
- If everyone did the action, would it lead to contradictions or chaos? If yes, it’s not moral (e.g., everyone stealing leads to disorder).
2. Treating Humanity as Ends
- "Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or another, always as an end, never as a mere means."
- Humans have autonomy and rationality, giving them intrinsic moral worth.
- Using someone as a "mere means" (only for your own benefit) is always immoral.
- Deception and lying are wrong because they undermine others' ability to make autonomous decisions.
Examples and Implications
- Lying is always wrong for Kant, even to save a life, because it cannot be universalized and it uses others as mere means.
- Respecting autonomy means recognizing others’ goals and not manipulating them.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Hypothetical Imperative — A conditional rule based on desires or goals.
- Categorical Imperative — An unconditional moral law binding on everyone.
- Maxim — The underlying principle or rule behind an action.
- Universalizability Principle — A test for morality: if an action can be universalized without contradiction.
- End-in-itself — Treating someone as having intrinsic value, not just as a means to your ends.
- Autonomy — The capacity for rational self-governance.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare for next lecture on utilitarianism.
- Review definitions and examples of hypothetical and categorical imperatives.