Overview
This lecture introduces Kant's ethics, focusing on his deontological (duty-based) approach and the two key formulations of the categorical imperative.
Kant's System of Ethics
- Kant's ethics are deontological, meaning based on duty rather than consequences.
- Rationality is unique to humans and must be protected to preserve our humanity.
- Autonomy, or the ability to choose freely, is also exclusive to humans and must be safeguarded.
Ethical Imperatives in Kant's Theory
- Our ethical decisions should do what is best for everyone equally.
- We must also preserve the needs of each individual equally.
The Categorical Imperative: First Formulation
- "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law."
- This means only act in ways that could be universalized without contradiction.
- Example: If everyone always lied, lying would become impossible, so lying cannot be a universal law.
The Categorical Imperative: 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 means."
- Never use or manipulate people for your own gain.
- Deceiving or using others undermines their rationality and autonomy.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Categorical Imperative — A universal, unconditional moral law that applies to all rational beings at all times.
- Deontological Ethics — An ethical system focused on rules and duties rather than consequences.
- Rationality — The ability to think logically and make choices, unique to humans in Kantian ethics.
- Autonomy — The capacity for self-governance and independent decision-making.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the two formulations of the categorical imperative and practice applying them to ethical scenarios.
- Reflect on how treating people as ends, not means, changes everyday decision-making.