Deck 13: A Simplified Account of Kants Ethics Onora Oneill

Question 1

The term "maxim" in Kant's writing refers to the

A) principle underlying a decision to act in a particular way.
B) intended effect of a particular action.
C) inclination to act in a certain way.
D) highest level of moral virtue.

Answer 1

A

Question 2

According to O'Neill, to use someone as a mere means is

A) to seek to profit from them in some way.
B) to put one's own interests before theirs.
C) to use them in a way to which they could not in principle consent.
D) All of the above

Answer 2

C

Question 3

Why am I not necessarily acting immorally when I use a bank teller to cash my paycheck?

A) Because the teller can consent in principle to being used in this way.
B) Because the categorical imperative does not apply to business transactions.
C) Because I can give some of the money to a worthy cause.
D) Because I might need the money to survive.

Answer 3

A

Question 4

Which of the following would violate the categorical imperative?

A) A fraudulent mortgage contract
B) Sexual harassment in the workplace
C) Telling a lie to save the life of an innocent person
D) All of the above

Question 5

The Formula of the End in Itself requires that one must

A) treat all sentient beings as ends in themselves.
B) never cause pain to a rational agent.
C) treat all rational agents as ends in themselves.
D) always treat humanity as a means to promote the best end.

Question 6

O'Neill finds the requirements of Kant's moral theory to be excessively demanding.

Question 7

According to O'Neill, the various versions of Kant's categorical imperative look extremely dissimilar.

Question 8

To avoid doing wrong, Kant thinks we should act to promote the happiness of as many people as possible.

Question 9

According to Kant, it is always immoral to use someone as a means.

Question 10

According to O'Neill, to treat another rational agent as a mere means is wrong, unless doing so is required to treat other rational agents as ends in themselves.

Question 11

A number of popular TV shows and films in recent years have gotten big laughs by involving unsuspecting people in interviews, conversations, and other interactions that the shows' producers and viewers know to be absurd hoaxes. What do you think Kant would make of this trend in comedy? If you are familiar with any shows of this type, it might be helpful to develop your answer with reference to specific examples.

Question 12

Suppose if you tell one lie, (and thereby treat a rational agent as a mere means), you may prevent five other people from being used as mere means. Should you tell the lie? Would it violate the categorical imperative? Why or why not? How might this case be used as an objection to Kant?

Question 13

You may either repay a debt you owe and your family will starve to death, or you may break your promise and feed your family. Which choice would you make? How would O'Neill evaluate your decision?