Deck 11: The Kantian Perspective: Fairness and Justice

Question 1

What does Kant claim is the supreme principle of morality? Clearly state the principle and explain how Kant thought we could apply it to determine the morality of actions. What do you think is the most powerful objection to this principle? Can this objection be overcome?

Answer 1

No Answer.

Question 2

Explain the distinction between hypothetical and categorical imperatives. Which category did Kant think that moral requirements fall into, and why did he think this is important?

Answer 2

No Answer.

Question 3

What does it mean for a moral duty to be absolute? Give an example of a moral rule (besides the principle of universalizability) that Kant believed to be absolute. Does the principle of universalizability require us to regard the moral rule you mention as absolute? Why or why not?

Answer 3

No Answer.

Question 4

What did Kant think is the relationship between morality and rationality? How would he respond to the challenge of the amoralist, who believes that moral rules exist but does not care about them? Do you find Kant's views on this topic to be plausible?

Question 5

Explain the principled fanatics objection to Kant's ethical theory. How do you think Kant would respond to this objection? Do you find his response satisfying? Why or why not?

Question 6

The question "What if everyone did that?" does not provide an acceptable ethical standard because

A) it seems to license the actions of principled fanatics.
B) it makes the morality of one's actions depend on the way they are described.
C) it prohibits things that do not seem to be immoral, including celibacy.
D) All of the above

Question 7

The golden rule fails to give any guidance concerning

A) how to treat loved ones.
B) lying.
C) self-regarding actions.
D) how to treat strangers.

Question 8

An amoralist is

A) someone who does not believe in the existence of morality at all.
B) someone who believes that morality is subjective.
C) someone who believes in morality but does not care about it at all.
D) someone who tries to act immorally.

Question 9

Kant believed that it is permissible to lie

A) in order to avoid a serious inconvenience.
B) in order to save someone else's life.
C) whenever one feels like it.
D) None of the above

Question 10

What does Kant mean by a maxim?

A) A bit of folksy wisdom
B) An objective moral law
C) A misleading moral command
D) A principle of action that one gives to oneself

Question 11

What is the fundamental principle of morality, according to Kant?

A) Never lie.
B) Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
C) Act only on maxims that are universalizable.
D) Always maximize happiness.

Question 12

What did Kant believe is the relationship between rationality and morality?

A) Morality and rationality are fundamentally opposed.
B) Rationality requires us to be moral.
C) Morality and rationality are completely independent.
D) Rationality might sometimes require immorality, but not often.

Question 13

Which of the following did Kant believe to be the central moral virtue?

A) Integrity
B) Benevolence
C) Compassion
D) None of the above

Question 14

The principle of universalizability states that you should

A) act only in such a way that you would be comfortable with everyone acting.
B) act towards others as you would want them to act towards you.
C) act only according to maxims that are universalizable.
D) act only if your maxim results in good consequences.

Question 15

To have integrity is to

A) act in harmony with the principles you believe in.
B) act in a way that benefits others.
C) act morally.
D) act consistently.

Question 16

According to Kant, which actions have maxims?

A) Moral actions
B) Immoral actions
C) Rational actions
D) All of the above

Question 17

The Amoralist's Challenge is a direct challenge to what?

A) Kant's principle of universalizability
B) Kant's claim that immoral conduct is irrational
C) Kant's claim that every action has a maxim
D) Kant's verdict in the lying promise case

Question 18

According to Kant, moral requirements apply to

A) all living things.
B) all who possess reason.
C) all who can suffer.
D) None of the above

Question 19

According to Kant, if two actions have the same result

A) they have the same maxim.
B) they have the same moral status.
C) they are the same act.
D) None of the above