Kantian Ethics

Immanuel Kant. German philosopher. Lived 1724-1804 Eastern Russia

Objectives

Understand Kantian Ethics Be able to apply Kantian Ethics to different scenarios/cases Be able to distinguish the differences between Utilitarianism and Kantianism

Kants Philosophy

The term deontology comes from the Greek word deon, meaning duty. The theory of deontology states we are morally obligated to act in accordance with a certain set of principles and rules regardless of outcome.

The obligation to do our duty is unconditional. That is, we must do it for the sake of duty, because it is the right thing to do, not because it will profit us psychologically, or economically, not because if we dont do it and get caught well be punished. The categorical imperative was Kants name for this inbred, self-imposed restraint, for the command of conscience within that tells us that the only true moral act is done from a pure sense of duty.

-- Admiral James Stockdale

Terms

WILL and the GOOD WILL: - A power of self-determination via rational deliberation - *** Not the same as desire or inclination (animals can not will) - The only thing conceivable that can be taken as good without qualification - Its virtue is completely separate from any end MAXIM (intention) - A personal rule on which we make our decisions - The principle on which the actor sees himself or herself acting

Terms
DUTY - Inbred, Self Imposed - The obligation required of us as rational beings - In order for an act to be morally praiseworthy, it must be done for the sake of duty -Shopkeeper - It is all about MAXIMS

Categorical Imperative

1. 2. 3.

4.
5.

Supreme Principle of Morality - Motives are more important than consequences Universalization The Formula of the End in Itself Using Persons as Mere Means Treating Person as End in Themselves Intentions and Results

What Does it all Mean?

GOOD WILL: THE INTENTION/CHOICE THAT IMPELS A PERSON TO DO WHAT IS RIGHT, BECAUSE IT IS RIGHT. SELF IMPOSED, THROUGH REASON.

RIGHT ACTIONS: ARE THOSE ACTIONS DONE IN ACCORDANCE WITH DUTY DUTY: ACTION MANDATED BY THE MORAL LAW. DOING THE THINGS YOU ARE PERMITTED BY THE CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE

CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE: A MORAL TEST FOR

RIGHTNESS OF AN ACT
From: Capt. Rick Rubel

Strengths of Kantian Ethics

-Duty: Commitment to stay the course regardless of consequences -Respect for Humanity: Treatment of people as ends -Formula for perfect human life?

KANTIAN VS. UTILITARIAN

UTILITARIANISM Greatest Happiness Principle The rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon the consequences. (the END Justifies the MEANS)

KANTIAN ETHICS Supreme Principle of Morality The rightness or wrongness of an act depends upon universal laws of action (the END never Justifies the MEANS) It is all about DUTY

Case Study
Illegal Immigrant Worker Situation: Your uncle owns a construction company and pays his immigrant employees under the table for $2 less than minimum wage. External Info: Your uncle, in your opinion, is a great guy that has many talents and has a family of four; your dad works for him too. Question: An IRS agent asks you to see the tax records for the employees because you are the accountant and you just started working for your uncle last week. What do you do?

Scenario #1

You are a nurse (thank you Ojard) and a patient has come in with an acute case of inflamed appendix. The doctor says to the patient that he/she must have it removed. The doctor leaves and the patient tell you that he/she is leaving the hospital because he/she does not want to do it. What do you say to the patient?

Have you seen/heard this before?

an individual who can be counted upon to do what we know we must and ought to do, even when there are no external forms of incentive or accountability in place

Resources
-Ethics and the Military Profession, Kantian Ethics and the Basis of Duty, Capt. Rick Rubel, 2005 -Ethics and the Military Profession, A Simplified Account of Kants Ethics, Onora ONeill, 1986 -Lawrence M. Hinmen, PhD (http://ethics.acusd.edu/theories/kant) -Ethics in Dialogue, Rose Mary Volbrecht, PhD -Immanuel Kant, Wikipedia.com -Rush Limbaugh, Talk Radio, 2006 (just kidding)