CHAPTER 12- Summary & Quiz – MORAL THEORY– Immanuel Kant, Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals
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Immanuel Kant, Groundwork
... [Show More] for the Metaphysics of Morals
First Section
Only a good will is good without qualification, and it is good in itself, not because of its effects. Understanding the concept of a good will requires understanding the concept of duty.
Second Section
Only rational beings act according to their conception of a law.
Imperatives command either hypothetically or categorically. A hypothetical imperative says only that an action is good for a particular end, whereas a categorical imperative says that an action is necessary independent of any end.
There is only one categorical imperative: Act only on that maxim that you can at the same time will to be a universal law. We can see how this categorical works by considering four duties: to refrain from suicide, to keep promises, to cultivate one’s talents, and to help others in need.
Each rational being exists as an end in itself, leading to another way of understanding the categorical imperative: act in such a way that you treat humanity, in your own person or that of another, always as an end in itself and never simply as a means. The four examples previously discussed illustrate this formulation.
This way of thinking leads, in turn, to the idea of a rational will as a will that legislates for a kingdom of ends, in which morality and humanity have dignity, which is a worth beyond all price.
Thus, we have three ways of thinking of morality, corresponding to its form, its matter, and a complete determination of all maxims.
True/False Section [5 Questions]
1. According to Kant, the only thing that is good in itself is a good will
2. hypothetical imperative is an imperative that applies to you no matter what you happen to want.
3. A categorical imperative is an imperative that applies to you no matter what you happen to want.
4. Kant argues that you should not act on a maxim if you would not like the consequences of everyone acting on that maxim.
5. Kant claims that you should never use someone merely as a means to your own ends.
Multiple Choice Section [5 Questions]
1. Which of the following best captures the basic question that Kant is trying to answer in these excerpts from the Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals?
2. What is a categorical imperative, according to Kant?
3. Which of the following best captures Kant's Formula of Universal Law?
4. Which of the following best captures Kant's Formula of Humanity?
5. Why does Kant discuss the examples of the person who wants to commit suicide, the person who wants to make a false promise, the person who refuses to develop his talents, and the person who refuses to help others? [Show Less]