Ka

Question 1

Kantian deontological ethics’ main claim

Answer 1

To act morally is to act out of duties which are discoverable by reason alone

Question 2

Kant’s account of what is meant by a ‘good will’

Answer 2

Wanting to do the right thing is the most valuable thing of all.

It is the only thing that is good ‘without qualification’

It is good regardless of the consequences of any actions that might result

Acting with a good will ultimately means wanting to do something because it’s your duty.

Question 3

Acting in accordance with duty

Answer 3

doing the right thing for some other reason

Question 4

Acting out of duty

Answer 4

doing the right thing because it’s the right thing

Question 5

Hypothetical imperative

Answer 5

commands that only apply to you if you want something

Question 6

categorical imperative

Answer 6

Commands that apply regardless of what you want and so apply to everyone

Question 7

What is the first formulation of the categorical imperative

Answer 7

Act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law”

(You should only act on intentions that everyone could act on without any contradictions)

Question 8

What duty do we have if there is a contradiction?

Answer 8

A duty to not act on that maxim

Question 9

Maxim

Answer 9

A maxim is the intention behind an action, made into a rule. It normally has the form of an action that is going to be done and the ‘end’ or purpose of that action

Question 10

Contradiction in conception

Answer 10

it’s impossible to think of you doing the action and everyone else also doing the action (leads to a perfect duty not to do that action)

Question 11

Contradiction in will

Answer 11

You can’t really want you and everyone else to do the action (leads to imperfect duty not to do that action)

Question 12

What is the second formulation of the categorical imperative?

Answer 12

So act that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at
the same time as an end, never merely as a means

(You should never just use a person to get something else - you should always treat people with dignity and respect because they’re rational)