Philosophy Midterm Exam

RUNNING HEAD : Philosophy

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Kantian Ethics

Categorical imperative test manifested in Kant 's ethics theory is the universality test which states that acts only in that maxim by which you can at the same time will it should become a universal law (Christine Korsgaard , 1985 ) Kant 's theory ascertains for an act to become a categorical imperative , it must be thought to be good in itself and conforms to reason . The test helps people to ask whether or not the actions they take can be universalized

, suggesting the maxim should require others to act according to it in similar circumstances . Kant implies that an act becomes command only if it ought to be applied by all

Certain actions are logically inconsistent and in the same sense can 't be universal laws , yet , many actions rational beings take are categorical imperatives and application of the test works well . For example , lying is inconsistent action but categorically , it can be stated as Do not lie

Kant 's categorical imperative is concerned with general and abstract moral actions and thus helps determine what is right or wrong (Christine Korsgaard , 1985 . A moral act is what people ought to do because it is universally binding on people to follow , and should not be applied under condition . Moral actions ought to be assessed on the acts themselves and consequences play minimal role in determining morality of actions

A lie to protect a person from being murdered implies the person is obliging to a higher duty of preserving human life , which trumps the duty not to lie ' for the purpose of a greater need . No one can know with certainty what will happen in the future . Therefore , whether the person lies or tells the truth may not result in death of the person One should avoid the immorality of telling a lie and accept the consequences

Utilitarianism

Utility principle : states the greatest happiness of the greatest number ' which further implies actions are right if they promote happiness for a greater majority and wrong if their impact is the opposite of happiness ' Act utilitarianism says that a person ought to always exercise whatever act will promote the most utility in the circumstances at hand , and the consequences of a single act are considered . Rule utilitarianism is the theory that a person ought to abide by a set of rules that generally tends to maximize utility and it helps one to take a course of action amongst alternatives which will produce greatest utility at the long run as if the rule were to be applied every time the circumstance arose

Act utilitarianism focus on consequences of a single act while rule utilitarianism focuses on consequences resulting from adopting a rule of conduct (or course of action

Utilitarianism and the principle of utility govern our moral standards Happiness is the only thing desirable as an end to an action and therefore all actions ought to be geared towards happiness

The principle of utility is a tool...