Question 1

What is universalization? Explain and give an example.

Accepted Answer

Universalization refers to the process of making something applicable or available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. This can apply to a wide range of things, including products, services, rights, and values.

For example, the universalization of education means ensuring that every individual has access to quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status or geographic location. This could involve implementing policies and programs to provide free or affordable education, building schools in remote areas, and ensuring that marginalized groups have equal opportunities for learning.

In a broader sense, universalization can also refer to the promotion of universal human rights, such as the right to freedom of speech, the right to education, and the right to a fair trial. This involves advocating for these rights to be recognized and protected for all individuals, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

Overall, universalization is about striving for equality and inclusivity, and working towards a world where everyone has the same opportunities and access to essential resources and rights.

Question 2

How does a hypothetical imperative differ from a categorical imperative? Explain with an example of each. Why should someone obey the dictates of the categorical imperative?

Accepted Answer

A hypothetical imperative is a command that applies only if one desires a certain end. In other words, it is conditional on a particular goal or outcome. For example, "If you want to pass your exam, then you should study hard." This imperative only applies to individuals who have the desire to pass their exam.

On the other hand, a categorical imperative is a command that is unconditional and applies to all rational beings, regardless of their desires or goals. It is based on the concept of duty and moral obligation. For example, "Do not lie." This imperative applies to everyone, regardless of their personal desires or goals.

The main difference between the two is that a hypothetical imperative is based on conditional reasoning, while a categorical imperative is based on unconditional moral principles.

One should obey the dictates of the categorical imperative because it is based on universal moral principles that are not dependent on personal desires or goals. It is a duty that applies to all rational beings, and by following the categorical imperative, one is acting in accordance with moral law and fulfilling their moral obligations. In essence, obeying the categorical imperative is essential for upholding moral integrity and promoting a just and ethical society.

Question 3

Explain why Immanuel Kant's statement about the immorality of treating other humans as a means to an end was a tremendously important political and social statement for the eighteenth century.

Accepted Answer

Immanuel Kant's statement about the immorality of treating other humans as a means to an end was tremendously important for the eighteenth century because it challenged the prevailing social and political attitudes of the time. During the eighteenth century, there was a widespread acceptance of hierarchical social structures and the idea that certain individuals or groups could be exploited for the benefit of others. Kant's statement directly challenged this mindset by asserting that every individual has inherent worth and dignity, and should not be used merely as a tool for someone else's purposes.

This statement had significant implications for political and social movements of the time, particularly in the context of the Enlightenment. It provided a philosophical foundation for the idea of individual rights and the concept of human equality, which were central to the political revolutions that occurred in the late eighteenth century, such as the American and French Revolutions. Kant's assertion that individuals should be treated as ends in themselves, rather than as a means to an end, helped to inspire and justify these movements for greater political and social equality.

Furthermore, Kant's statement also had a profound impact on the development of ethical and moral philosophy. It challenged traditional notions of morality that were based on religious or societal authority, and instead emphasized the importance of individual autonomy and rationality in determining moral principles. This shift in thinking laid the groundwork for the development of modern ethical theories that prioritize the rights and dignity of individuals.

In summary, Kant's statement about the immorality of treating other humans as a means to an end was tremendously important for the eighteenth century because it challenged prevailing social and political attitudes, inspired movements for greater equality and individual rights, and laid the groundwork for modern ethical and moral philosophy.

Question 4

Immanuel Kant explains that you should not steal when you cannot universalize the rule "Stealing is permissible." Explain why not.

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Question 5

What is the difference between an ideal situation and an actual situation in assessing the universalizability of the categorical imperative?

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Question 6

What are some problems with the categorical imperative test? Why has it nevertheless been influential in ethical theory?

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Question 7

Evaluate the following statement: "Actions are morally good only if they are done because of a good will." Explain "good will" and give reasons why you think the statement is correct or incorrect.

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Question 8

What does it mean to treat someone as "an end in himself or herself" rather than as a means (only)?

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Question 9

What is Immanuel Kant's criterion of rationality for being regarded as a person? What (or who) does it leave out?

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Question 10

Explain Immanuel Kant's concept of a kingdom of ends.

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Question 11

Comment on Immanuel Kant's apparent opinion that women and people of color may not be as rational as white males. Compare it with Kant's statement that all of humanity should be treated as ends in themselves.

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Question 12

A person decides to act on principle against the wishes of the community. In the context of Immanuel Kant's theory, can we always assume that this person is doing the right thing? How would Kant decide? How would a utilitarian decide? How would you decide?

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Question 13

Discuss the permissibility of torture within a classical Kantian moral system. Do you agree with the views? Why or why not?

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Question 14

Focusing on the choices made by the main characters in High Noon and 3:10 to Yuma, would you say that doing one's duty regardless of the outcome is always the correct moral approach? Why or why not?

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Question 15

Come up with your own example to illustrate conflicting duties as a criticism against Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative test. Can you see how this problem might also be illustrated by Alec Holmes's dilemma in Abandon Ship! when he sees the storm coming? Explain.

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Question 16

Compare and contrast Immanuel Kant's idea that we must always treat people as ends in themselves and Alec Holmes's weeding-out process in Abandon Ship!

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Question 17

Can Rorschach's moral position in Watchmen be viewed as an example of Kantian duty ethics? Why or why not?

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Question 18

Which of the following best describes a deontological theory?
A) a theory that advocates social equality
B) a theory that advocates that humans have free will independent of mechanistic causality
C) a theory that focuses exclusively on the consequences of an action
D) a theory that focuses only on the rightness or wrongness of an act itself

Accepted Answer

Deontological theory emphasizes the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, regardless of their consequences, focusing on adherence to moral rules or duties.

Question 19

Who among the following is an autonomous lawmaker?
A) a member of the government who cannot be bribed
B) someone who is capable of influencing the legislation in his or her own favor
C) a person who follows the categorical imperative
D) a person who follows hypothetical imperatives

Accepted Answer

An autonomous lawmaker, in the context of moral philosophy, particularly in Kantian ethics, is someone who acts according to the categorical imperative. This means they act according to principles that they can will to be universal laws, independent of external influences or personal desires.

Question 20

A store owner is trying to decide whether or not to cheat her customers. Which decision-making process results in a moral act?
A) She decides to try to cheat her customers on occasion when she is certain she can get away with it.
B) She decides not to cheat her customers because she might be found out and lose all her customers.
C) She decides not to cheat her customers because she believes that it would not be right, regardless of the consequences.
D) She decides not to cheat her customers because she likes them very much.

Accepted Answer

Option C is the correct choice because it reflects a decision made based on moral principles and the inherent belief that cheating is wrong, regardless of potential consequences or personal feelings towards the customers.

Quiz 6: Using Your Reason, Part 2: Kants Deontology