Theory of Formalism TWO BASIC PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMS DEONTOLOGICAL
Theory of Formalism
TWO BASIC PHILOSOPHICAL SYSTEMS • DEONTOLOGICAL - For deontologists, it doesn't matter if the consequences turn out bad, since all that matters is the principle of the thing. • TELEOLOGICAL - Teleologists are usually guided by the precedent or example that something sets.
DEONTOLOGICAL SYSTEMS • Something is moral not because of its consequences, but is moral because the motive or intent is "good. “ • The clearest example of a deontological ethical system is FORMALISM, developed by the famous philosopher-of-philosophers, Immanuel Kant (1724 -1804).
FORMALISM • Kant's approach to ethics begins with an analysis of "ulterior motives. “ • Kant then proceeds to analyze the acts of so-called "Good Samaritans" to see why they do good things for complete strangers. • "Under what circumstances will people sincerely do good with no expectation of benefit? "
FORMALISM • Morality is not based on hypothetical imperatives but rather on a categorical imperative. • A categorical imperative is something that "commands" action without reference to any purpose or consequence. • The leading criticism of Kant's ethical formalism is that it doesn't tell you what to do in cases where there is a clear-cut "conflict of duties. "
KANT’S CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE • Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. • Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, including yourself and others, as an end in itself, and never as a means to an end. • Act as if you were a law-making member of a kingdom of ends.
INTRINSIC VALUE • Ethical formalism holds that the source and ground of ethical laws contains their value. • For Kant, a truly moral action is one that comes from the free will. • Ethical action deriving from the will is truly good because it is both free and universal.
INTRINSIC VALUE • Kant's famed ethical formalism shows the source of moral action through a will that is totally free from constraint, and hence, necessarily totally universal. • All rational human beings are capable of this sort of action. Since this is the source of moral goodness, and all human beings can perform it, then each rational person is the source of moral good.
HOW TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF CATEGORICAL IMPERATIVE 1. Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. 2. Act in such a way that you always treat humanity, including yourself and others, never simply as a means but always at the same time as an end. 3. Act as if you were a lawmaking member of a kingdom of ends.
CRITICISMS OF ETHICAL FORMALISM v Wording of maxims § Critical in ethical formalism and could lead to confusion or abuse § It might not apply to extreme circumstances. • If an action is wrong, it is always wrong.
CRITICISMS OF ETHICAL FORMALISM § It does not provide guidance for resolving conflicting duties. § It can be used to justify a position after it has been adopted, but it may give little help in forming a position.
REFERENCES • • http: //www. drtomoconnor. com/3300 lect 01 a. htm http: //philosophy. tamu. edu/~sdaniel/Notes/ethics 3 a. html http: //www. ehow. com/info_7742237_ethics-formalism-theory. html http: //www. slideshare. net/slm 1085/ethics-chapter-2 -presentation
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