Kantian Ethics Types of Theory Types of Theory

Kantian Ethics

Types of Theory

Types of Theory n Teleological The consequence of the moral act is the important thing

Types of Theory n Teleological The consequence of the moral act is the important thing n Deontological Rightness is determined by some moral value in the act itself

The Inquisitive Murderer

The Inquisitive Murderer n Should you tell an intending murderer where his victim-to-be is hiding?

The Inquisitive Murderer n Should you tell an intending murderer where his victim-to-be is hiding? n Most people say no.

The Inquisitive Murderer n Should you tell an intending murderer where his victim-to-be is hiding? Most people say no. n Kant says it’s always wrong to lie. n

Duty

Duty n Fundamental ethical concept is Obligation

Duty Fundamental ethical concept is Obligation n Expressed in imperatives using ought n

Imperatives

Imperatives n Hypothetical If you want X then you ought to do Y

Imperatives Hypothetical If you want X then you ought to do Y n Categorical You ought to do Y n

The Categorical Imperative Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law

Problems

Problems n The indeterminacy of maxims There are many ways to describe an action we propose to take

Problems The indeterminacy of maxims There are many ways to describe an action we propose to take n The plurality of duties If duties do conflict then there can’t be a single rule n

Problems The indeterminacy of maxims There are many ways to describe an action we propose to take n The plurality of duties If duties do conflict then there can’t be a single rule n The underdetermination of duties This rule produces an excess of possible duties n

Value

Value n Instead of duty consider the innate worth of persons

Statements of Ends

Statements of Ends n Conditional Value X is valued as a means to an end Y

Statements of Ends n Conditional Value X is valued as a means to an end Y n Unconditional Value X (a person) is valued for itself

The Principle of Ends 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 only

Problems

Problems n The value of rationality n How does rationality create value?

Problems n The value of rationality How does rationality create value? n Why think rationality is unconditionally valuable? n

Problems n The value of rationality How does rationality create value? n Why think rationality is unconditionally valuable? n What about animals and imbeciles? n