Immanuel Kant is famous for believing that rationality is the basis for morality — the most important focus of ethical decision-making is respecting the freedom and dignity of rational beings. He also gives us a theory of inviolable moral imperatives — rules you must follow, no matter what, to do what is right. Today we will discuss whether we have inviolable moral duties and the importance of freedom and rational choice in living the good life. By the end of class:
1. You will understand Kant’s Categorical Imperative as a moral code and the view of value that supports it.
2. You will be able to discuss the different ways that Kantians and utilitarians defend moral obligations.
3. You will appreciate the importance of the “good will” and “acting from duty” on Kant’s ethical view.
Consider the following questions, write your responses in your journal, and talk about them with a friend:
1. Describe in your own words what you think Kant means when he says that of all of the morally good things, the “good will” is the best of them. What is a “will” (according to Kant)? How could a will be a source of value? How is this different from how utilitarians or Aristotle think of value?
2. What does Kant mean be the “Categorical Imperative”? According to Kant, what are the moral tests for whether your proposed course of action (a ‘maxim’) is moral or immoral?
2. Would you walk away from Omelas? Should you? Why or why not?