Kant AO2

Kant AO2

1. How coherent is the idea of Summum bonum

   • Coherent
     • If you accept God it is coherent
     • Clarity
     • Based on reason + logic
   • Incoherent
     • No evidence
     • Assumes God
     • Categorical imperative tells us to do out duty, so why are we rewarded

2. Is Kant compatible with religious ethics

   • Incompatible
     • Jesus broke rules (Sabbath Law) - people more important than rules
     • Autonomous agents + freedom means there is no need for external authorities (God)
     • Deontological doesn't fit with forgiveness + reconciliation
   • Compatible
     • Summum Bonum - immortality/afterlife
     • Presupposes God
     • Absolutes in categorical imperative link to 10 commandments

3. Strengths + Weaknesses of Kant's theory of ethics

   • Strengths
     • Clear rules - easy to apply/follow
     • Avoids emotion - clouds judgement
     • Avoids exploitation
   • Weaknesses
     • Can everything be universalised?
     • Too inflexible - no exceptions
     • Incommpassionate
     • Humans more important than rules. 'Sabbath made for man, man not made for the Sabbath'

4. Can reason be the basis of a successful ethical theory

   • Reason cannot be the basis
     • Inflexible - no exceptions
     • Emotions are natural - cannot put aside
     • Lacks compassion - no emotions
     • Misused for selfish motives
     • Do we all have same sense of reason
       • Physical/mental issues - inconsistent
   • Reason can be the basis
     • Fletcher's principles + Bentham's calculus = need success criteria
     • Innate
     • Avoids emotions - cloud judgement

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