Kant - the Good
Essay by review • December 2, 2010 • Study Guide • 393 Words (2 Pages) • 1,007 Views
Kant
The good
Categorical imperative
1. act only as if your action were universal law.
2. treat humanity not always as exclusively a means, but as an end.
You can use them as a means, but they have to be included in the ends.As an end, not a means
Both formulations have to apply to count
Good character
Good intent. Doing what it is right because it is right.
Objections
Lying to save someones life.
Laws based on the church are illegitimate.
Must make autonomous decisions about moral issues.
Utilitarianism (Consequentialism, John Stewart Mill)b
The good
Happiness or pleasure.
Good character
Jim the disoriented botanist. Shoots the one to save the rest. Don't fight instincts.
Right Action
Maximizing pleasure, minimizing suffering, "moral calculus."
Objections
Violates integrity. If you believe against killing someone, but you still have to shoot the prisoner to save the rest.
Virtue ethics
The good
Eudamonia Ð'- proper function in life (good life), a kind of life that leads to be happy, one is good therefore leading to happiness.
Right action
Staying moderate. Acting according to the "golden mean." What will make you happy, may not make happy getting there.
Good character
One courageous act does not make one courageous. It must be something out of habit, and performed constantly.
Objections
How do you know if you are learning from an unvirtuous hero? Mother Teresa, Ghandi, were both extemeists. So how does one know where the mean is?
Egoism
The good
Self interests.
Right action
Maximizes
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