2.3.1
Introduction to Kantian Ethics & Duty
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Kant's Deontological Theory on Duty
Immanuel Kant looked at moral statements and how we use them. His deontological theory looks at how an action brings about a duty as opposed to utilitarianism, which is consequence-focussed.
The importance of reason
- Kant felt reason played a big part in how humans make moral decisions. So he centred his theory on the idea of reasoning from goodwill and duty.
Moral vs everyday statements
- Kant thought moral statements were different from everyday statements.
- Moral statements are a priori synthetic as they can be understood without any experience, but followed up and evidenced with experience.
- Everyday statements are most typically known through a person's experience and then verified by the experience of that person using this evidence to support the statement.
Kant's theory on good will
- Kant focussed on the idea of goodwill and its relationship with duty.
- Kant thought that an action would only be a good action if the person acted from good will.
- For example, an action would not be deemed good if it was done to make somebody feel or look good.
Kant's definition of duty
- Kant’s definition of duty is to act morally and follow the rules that have been set out for you.
- When you combine good will and duty, you get a moral action.
- Kant’s former statements on reason come into play here. Kant felt every decision should be made by reason; based on the good will and the duty you have.
- A decision should not be based on feelings or personal opinions. It should simply be based upon reasoning conforming to goodwill and duty.
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
2.6Business Ethics
2.7Meta-Ethical Theories
2.8Conscience
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Jump to other topics
1Philosophy of Religion
1.1Ancient Philosophical Influences: Plato
1.2Ancient Philosophical Influences: Aristotle
1.3Ancient Philosophical Influences: Soul, Mind, Body
1.4The Existence of God - Arguments from Observation
1.5The Existence of God - Arguments from Reason
1.6Religious Experience
1.7The Problem of Evil
1.8The Nature & Attributes of God
1.9Religious Language: Negative, Analogical, Symbolic
2Religion & Ethics
2.1Natural Law
2.2Situation Ethics
2.3Kantian Ethics
2.4Utilitarianism
2.5Euthanasia
2.6Business Ethics
2.7Meta-Ethical Theories
2.8Conscience
3Developments in Christian Thought
3.1Saint Augustine's Teachings
3.2Death & the Afterlife
3.3Knowledge of God's Existence
3.4The Person of Jesus Christ
3.5Christian Moral Principles
3.6Christian Moral Action
3.7Development - Pluralism & Theology
3.8Development - Pluralism & Society
3.9Gender & Society
3.10Gender & Theology
Practice questions on Introduction to Kantian Ethics & Duty
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- 1What should decisions NOT be based on, according to Kant? Multiple choice
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