Duty Theory, Deontology, Kantian Ethics

DUTY THEORY, DEONTOLOGY, KANTIAN ETHICS Kant (1724-1804), Deon – duty Logic – study of or science of Kant was motivated by the lack of a role for duty in Utilitarianism, something he believed to be the foundation of all morality. Intuition (ought): Some acts are morally obligatory regardless of whether they produce pain or pleasure in human beings. 1. There are many motivations for actions. For example, there are: (1) prudence, (2) benevolence, and (3) respect for the moral law. Acts that are done for the first two reasons are hypothetical imperatives. 2. For Kant, when we do things for any other reason than out of duty, our acts are not moral acts. For an act to be a moral act, we must do it for the sake of duty. That is, only the categorical imperative is moral. 3. The categorical imperative acts as a structure for determining which maxims are duties that should be obeyed. The categorical imperative states: Act only on that maxim whereby thou canst at the same time will that it should become moral law. a. When confronted with a question of whether a certain act would be the right thing to do, find the maxim that would govern the action. b. Universalize the maxim and evaluate the results. That is, ask yourself whether you can imagine this maxim a universal law so that everyone should do it. For example, how would you like it if everyone did what you are considering doing (lying to your friends when they ask you about something you want to hide). 1 c. If the universalization fails, is illogical, that means that you should not do that thing you are considering. 4. A second formulation of the categorical imperative is: you should not treat a person as a means to an end, but as an end in themselves. 5. Moral laws are UNIVERSAL (applicable to all, regardless of their beliefs). 6. Rightness is based on reason. As a result, there can be no conflict between moral duties. 7. Moral laws are ABSOLUTE (admit to no exceptions -- wrong to lie even to save a life). PROBLEMS WITH THE VIEW THAT MORAL MAXIMS ARE ABSOLUTE There seems to be no way to handle it when the applications of moral maxims come into conflict. There are some maxims that seem reasonable and yet they are not absolute. Do not commit suicide, for example. ROSS’S MODIFICATION DUTIES are MAXIMS THAT SURVIVE THE TEST OF UNIVERSALIZABILITY 2 ROSS’ SEVEN PRIMA FACIE DUTIES Benficence: The duty to do good acts and to promote happiness. Nonmaleficence: The duty to do no harm and to prevent harm. Fidelity: Duties arising from past commitments and promises. Reparation: Duties that stem from past harm to others. Gratitude: Duties based on past favors and unearned services. Self-Improvement: The duty to improve our knowledge and virtue. Justice: The duty to give each person equal consideration. LIMITATIONS OF DEONTOLOGY Doesn’t provide guidance in cases of moral dilemmas Doesn’t factor in the consequences of things Ignores the role of the community in ethics. Ignores the importance of certain emotions, such as empathy, which empirical research has shown to play a part in someone being moral. 3