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

Kant’s 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 don’t do it and get caught we’ll be punished. The categorical imperative was Kant’s 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- It’s 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

TermsDUTY

- 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 Supreme Principle of Morality

- Motives are more important than consequences

1. Universalization2. The Formula of the End in Itself3. Using Persons as Mere Means4. Treating Person as End in Themselves5. 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

Strength’s 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 StudyIllegal 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 Kant’s Ethics, Onora O’Neill, 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)