Thoroughly explain Kant's understanding of morality, and identify at least two weaknesses of his moral theory. (Be sure to mention and explain the concepts of the Categorical Imperative, deontology, the role of reason, autonomy vs. heteronomy, whether the consequences of actions relate to their moral praiseworthiness).
According to Kant, morality is a priori. That is, morality is independent of all experience. Just as there are physical laws, so are there moral laws. These moral laws are based on rational principles that are independent from feelings and emotions, but rather based solely on reason. These moral laws are also autonomous to individuals with each person capable of finding out for them-selves right from wrong. Central to Kant's theory of morality is deontology that is duty-based ethics. Kant said, "An action done from duty must be wholly exclude the influence of inclination". Therefore obeying moral laws also must be done without regard to ones inclinations (ones feelings, desires, ambitions and emotions). He stresses obedience to the moral principle regardless to the consequences. Kant said "to deviate from the principle of duty is beyond all doubt wicked". Duty is the reason for obedience, not consequences. .
So we know, according to Kant, that moral laws are a priori (they exist just as gravity exist), they are autonomous (inherently in everyone), and they are our duty to obey without regard to our inclinations. What moral laws are we to obey? Kant formulates what he calls the Categorical Imperative. It's basically similar to the golden rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Likewise the Categorical Imperative tells us to act in such a way that we would want everyone else to act the same way. So if you can't will the act to everyone then the act is immoral. Kant said, "Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become a universal law".
According to Kant, morality is a priori. ... Central to Kant's theory of morality is deontology that is duty-based ethics. Kant said, "An action done from duty must be wholly exclude the influence of inclination". ... Kant said "to deviate from the principle of duty is beyond all doubt wicked". ... Kant formulates what he calls the Categorical Imperative. ...
In this paper, I will examine what the transcendental schema is, and how Kant explains it. ... Kant opens up the Schematism by restating that there needs to be a medium through which the a priori concepts can relate to intuitions. ... In proving this, Kant must naturally show how the categories can relate to intuition. ... However, Kant goes on to state the exact time determinations, made possible by the imagination, of the categories. ... Kant's whole notion of the categories would be useless if he cannot find a way to supply the categories with intuitions. ...
That is why I have chosen to do my final paper on Immanuel Kant. ... In one box were a few books about Immanuel Kant. ... Immanuel Kant was born in 1724 in Konigsberg, East Prussia. ... This is where Kant determined effectiveness to be prudential. ... Thus, Kant derived what is known as the categorical imperative. ...
Critically discuss Kant's understanding of freedom. ... The main purpose of this essay is to critically discuss Kant's understanding of freedom. ... I will begin by briefly, explain Kant's main arguments in "Critique of Pure Reason" that link to his idea on freedom and then critically discuss what shows Kant's to be wrong, regarding freedom. ... Note from the extract above, Kant compare freedom as nature. ... Kant says, "we could not prove freedom to be something actual in ourselves and in human nature. ...
Part A Kant's description of Enlightenment as "man's emergence from his self-incurred immaturity" is a somewhat pertinent definition, solidifying the quintessential ideas of Enlightenment to a certain degree in a brief sentence. ... Kant also outlines the fact that man's self-incurred immaturity is partially as a result of his reluctance to independence. "I need not make any effort at all" In this part of this article, Kant explains how a great degree of our lives involves being dependent upon others to provide, and function for us. ... In the article, Kant also articu...
This subjective deduction is just one the strategies Kant uses to make his point. ... Here Kant demonstrates the a priori nature of space and time. ... Kant states that this is a condition that s fundamental to what follows. ... Kant uses an example of counting. ... Kant also speaks of pure concepts of understanding as the a priori grounds....
The Categorical Imperative has been the subject of debate since Kant first wrote his moral works. ... Duncan's answer to his first question is that "Kant himself appears to speak as if there were only three:- Two passages of the groundwork suggest that Kant himself intended there to be three subsidiary principles and the supreme moral principle. ... Kant insists in several places in his doctrine that the imperative must be categorical and not hypothetical. ... But isn't Kant really using the Formula Ia, not Formula I, in these examples? ... So, it seems clear that Kant is using t...
(notes) Kant view is that animals instruments for us to use. ... Kant's criterion for moral status is based on rationality. ... I agree with Kant about our moral duties to animals. ... Singer objects to Kant and would surely object to my views. ... I fully side with Kant on this issue. ...
Why does Kant reject the notion that man's end is happiness, or even survival? ... How does Kant's treatment of generosity differ from Hume's? Under what conditions does a generous act have "moral content" for Kant? ... Kant defines duty as "necessity of an action out of respect for law." ... In what circumstances, for Kant, might one lie? ...
