04 Deontology and Kantian Ethics Free Online FlashCards

What does deontology evaluate?

Deontology evaluates actions by their relation to moral principles and duties, rather than solely by their results.

What is a categorical imperative?

A categorical imperative binds unconditionally, regardless of what a person happens to want.

What is a hypothetical imperative?

A hypothetical imperative tells someone what to do if they have a particular goal.

What is a maxim in Kantian ethics?

A maxim is the subjective rule on which a person acts.

How does the universal-law test assess a maxim?

Ask whether the maxim could rationally be willed as a rule for everyone in relevantly similar circumstances.

Why does Kant reject insincere promises made to obtain loans?

If everyone made insincere promises to obtain loans, promising would lose credibility and the practice would be undermined.

Is the universal-law test merely a forecast of outcomes?

It asks whether a maxim can be thought and willed as a universal principle, not simply whether universal adoption would produce good or bad outcomes.

What is a perfect duty?

A perfect duty is a strict requirement, such as not making a deceptive promise.

What is an imperfect duty?

An imperfect duty leaves discretion about how to fulfill it; helping others and developing one’s abilities are examples.

What does Kant’s formula of respect for persons require?

Treat humanity, in yourself and others, always as an end and never merely as a means.

What does it mean to treat someone merely as a means?

It means using someone as a tool in a way that bypasses their capacity to choose, such as through deception or coercion.

What makes a business agreement respectful of each party’s agency?

A freely accepted agreement with understood terms need not treat either party merely as a means; concealing crucial terms undermines informed choice.