Kantian Ethics: Evaluation

Kantian Ethics: Evaluation

1. Emphasises the importance of each person as equally valued in their own right.

2. Universal and therefore impartial- if an act is right, it is right in ALL circumstances.

3. Emphasises motive and INTENTION rather than just outward acts- focussing on inner morality.

4. Treats all people as ends rather than means to an end- against exploitation of people.

5. Universal therefore intolerant of different cultures and situations- assuming everyone is the same.

6. Puts obligation as reason for acting morally, above that of love and compassion, e.g. someone is suffering with terminal illness but Kant says it is our DUTY/OBLIGATION to keep them alive as a higher motive, and our instincts to show compassion are seen as not important.

7. Why make the assumption that only God can bring about the highest good?- saying non-believers cannot achieve the highest good.