Kant (1724-1804)

Kant (1724-1804)

Outcomes are difficult to predict so for Kant the intention was important
'ought'- like conscious, you should do it. But only if you can
Goodwill + Duty = correct moral action
'Goodwill shines forth like a precious jewel' Have to be willing to do something with enthusiasm. Goodwill is the only pure motive
An action is only good if the person acts out of a sense of 'goodwill' for the other person
Duty for duties sake- only exception for putting goodwill into action is duty
1. Have to be willing to do something
Should have an objective view in a moral situation, free from emotion
priori- something you already know 1+1
1. Synthetic- could be true or false- all students are happy
2. Moral situation- is a priori synthetic.
  1. Moral knowledge is gained by experience and it can be right or wrong so it is a ...
Postulates of morality 1. Freedom to act 2. Immortal souls 3. God must exist
Categorical imperative
1. Universalisation- only carry out the action if all people would behave in the same way
2. Humans as ends- treating humans as ends, not as means to an end
3. Kingdom of end- treat humans as ends and stick to your maxim
Hypothetical imperative- an action that achieves a result- studying for A levels to get an A
Summum bonum= supreme good
1. Happiness achieves the summum bonum but this can't be achieved in one life time, we have to come back, so God must exist
'Ought implies can'
Strengths
1. Kingdom of ends- respects all humans
2. Absolute- one rule for everyone
3. People recognise that part of what it means to be human includes duty
Weaknesses
1. Not to use emotions like love seems cold and inhuman
2. The outcome might be more important (deontological)
3. It only works if everyone does it

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	Created by 97nat.brooks about 10 years ago