Overview
This lecture introduces Immanuel Kant's approach to ethics, focusing on his reason-based moral philosophy and the concept of categorical imperatives, contrasting them with religious-based morality.
Kantian Ethics vs. Religious Morality
- Previous ethics theories discussed were grounded in religious belief, such as Divine Command Theory and Natural Law.
- Kant argued that morality should be based on reason, not religion, and is universal for all rational beings.
Hypothetical vs. Categorical Imperatives
- Hypothetical imperatives are "if-then" statements guiding actions based on personal desires (e.g., "If you want good grades, you should study").
- Hypothetical imperatives are about prudence, not morality, and are optional if you don't desire the outcome.
- Categorical imperatives are unconditional moral commands that apply to everyone, regardless of personal desires.
The Categorical Imperative: Key Formulations
- The categorical imperative is the principle that defines absolute moral obligations derived from reason.
- First formulation (Universalizability Principle): "Act only according to that maxim which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law without contradiction."
- Actions are moral only if they can be universally applied without contradiction.
- Example: Stealing can't be moral because universalizing it leads to an unworkable contradiction.
- Second formulation: "Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end, and never as a mere means."
- Always respect others' autonomy and never use them solely for personal gain.
Autonomy and Moral Worth
- Humans are "ends-in-themselves" because they are rational and autonomous beings with the capacity to set their own goals.
- Using someone as a "mere means" (deceiving or manipulating solely for personal benefit) violates their autonomy and moral worth.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Divine Command Theory — Ethical theory where morality is determined by God's commands.
- Natural Law — Morality rooted in human nature, believed to be instilled by God.
- Hypothetical Imperative — Conditional, desire-based guidance for actions ("if-then" rules).
- Categorical Imperative — Absolute, unconditional moral command derived from reason.
- Maxim — A principle or rule underlying an action.
- Universalizability Principle — Test of whether a maxim can be universally applied without contradiction.
- End-in-itself — Treating a person as inherently valuable, not just as a tool for personal benefit.
- Autonomy — The ability to self-govern and set one's own goals.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between hypothetical and categorical imperatives.
- Prepare for the next lesson on utilitarianism, which contrasts with Kant’s ethics.