Kantian Ethics: Rights ApproachKantian Ethics: Rights Approach

LP: Ethical Theories PresentationLP: Ethical Theories PresentationAssessment Strategy #5Assessment Strategy #5

Rhonda, Anita, Chris, and AndrewRhonda, Anita, Chris, and AndrewMarch 31, 2008March 31, 2008

Theory of Right ActionTheory of Right Action

““Each human has dignity and is worthy of Each human has dignity and is worthy of respect. Human dignity gives rise to respect. Human dignity gives rise to fundamental moral rights.”fundamental moral rights.”

Two Types of RightsTwo Types of Rights

1.1. Protection of human Protection of human freedom and the duty freedom and the duty to not interfere with to not interfere with that freedom that freedom

RightsRights

2.2. Entitlement to what is Entitlement to what is minimally necessary minimally necessary to sustain well beingto sustain well being

Categorical ImperativeCategorical Imperative

1.1. Consider riles of action on which you are actingConsider riles of action on which you are acting

2.2. Generalize that principleGeneralize that principle

3.3. Test one: If generalized version contradicts itself, then it Test one: If generalized version contradicts itself, then it is wrong to use that as a basis of actionis wrong to use that as a basis of action

4.4. Test two: If generalized version makes sense, then ask if Test two: If generalized version makes sense, then ask if you could live in a world where everyone follows that you could live in a world where everyone follows that principle.principle.

5.5. If so, then use that principle as a basis for actionIf so, then use that principle as a basis for action

BiographyBiography

Immanuel Kant was born in April 22, 1724 in Immanuel Kant was born in April 22, 1724 in KönigsbergKönigsberg (the capital of East Prussia) (the capital of East Prussia)

Spent his entire life in and around his Spent his entire life in and around his hometown, never more than 50 miles. Died hometown, never more than 50 miles. Died Feb. 12, 1804Feb. 12, 1804

He was baptized as 'Emanuel' but later He was baptized as 'Emanuel' but later changed his name to 'Immanuel’ after he changed his name to 'Immanuel’ after he learned Hebrew. learned Hebrew.

Young Adult LifeYoung Adult Life

In his youth, he was an unspectacular In his youth, he was an unspectacular studentstudent

Raised Pietistic, a religion that stressed Raised Pietistic, a religion that stressed intense religious devotion, personal humility, intense religious devotion, personal humility, and a literal interpretation of the Bible. and a literal interpretation of the Bible.

Due to his upbringing he was taught Latin Due to his upbringing he was taught Latin and religious instruction over mathematics and religious instruction over mathematics and science.and science.

Kant’s Influence on the Rights Kant’s Influence on the Rights ApproachApproach

The philosophical movement known as The philosophical movement known as German IdealismGerman Idealism developed from Kant's developed from Kant's theoretical and practical writings. theoretical and practical writings.

Many British Roman Catholic writers, Many British Roman Catholic writers, focused on Kant, promoted his work, trying focused on Kant, promoted his work, trying to restore the philosophical legitimacy of to restore the philosophical legitimacy of belief in God.belief in God.

Influences…Influences…

Some writers believe that some of Kant’s Some writers believe that some of Kant’s ideas paved the way for Hitler and the Nazi ideas paved the way for Hitler and the Nazi party.party.

Kant spurned individual happiness as a Kant spurned individual happiness as a matter of no moral worthmatter of no moral worth

Influences….Influences….

The Nazis rejected reason – Kant taught The Nazis rejected reason – Kant taught that reason can teach us nothing of the that reason can teach us nothing of the world beyond mere appearance world beyond mere appearance

Hitler's movement demanded that Hitler's movement demanded that individuals sacrifice themselves for the individuals sacrifice themselves for the common goodcommon good

CriticismsCriticisms

Gives little leeway for complex situationsGives little leeway for complex situations– Conflict of dutyConflict of duty

Dismisses emotionsDismisses emotions– PityPity– CompassionCompassion

Consequences of actions not taken Consequences of actions not taken seriouslyseriously

Current DilemmaCurrent Dilemma

Abortion: Pro-life vs. Pro-choiceAbortion: Pro-life vs. Pro-choice Unborn children have the right to life Unborn children have the right to life

– Pro-lifePro-life

Women have the right to make a choiceWomen have the right to make a choice– Pro-choicePro-choice

Both sides promote a right, but conflict with Both sides promote a right, but conflict with each othereach other

Review QuestionsReview Questions

1.1. What are the basic steps used to make a moral decision?What are the basic steps used to make a moral decision?

2.2. True or False: Kant was a worldly scholar and traveled True or False: Kant was a worldly scholar and traveled

the world promoting his ideas. the world promoting his ideas.

3.3. What can you see as a problem with this theory?What can you see as a problem with this theory?

4.4. Do you believe that lying could be morally acceptable in Do you believe that lying could be morally acceptable in

certain situations using this theory?certain situations using this theory?

That all our knowledge begins That all our knowledge begins with experience, there is indeed with experience, there is indeed no doubt....but although our no doubt....but although our knowledge originates WITH knowledge originates WITH experience, it does not all arise experience, it does not all arise OUT OF experience. OUT OF experience.

Immanuel Kant

Questions?Questions?