PLG 800 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Kantian Ethics, Relativism, Moral Reasoning
18 Jan 2017
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Moral reasoning
• Moral questions arise when we are confronted by clashing interests and must decide
what to do
• Reflective moral thinking begins with those judgments about which we have the
greatest certainty
• In other words, we begin our critical thinking with out firmest moral judgments
• Different cultures at different times and places have different ways of life and moral
practices
• Is it possile that all suh praties are orret… all truth is relative – not just a moral
truth
• From this perspective there is no such thing as a detached, objective perspective on
truth: all judgment is made form within a particular standpoint, which is sometimes held
to be ideologically conditioned – perhaps reflecting hidden power/authority relations in
society
Relativism and behavior
• If there is no moral code that applies to everyone, one morality that everyone ought to
follow then what what people ought to do is culturally determined
Relativism and tolerance
• Coexistence in a pluralistic society argues for tolerance
• Does validity of moral requirements depend on whether you share the relevant set of
values
• If you do not can any command depending on them have any binding force on you?
Self interest vs society
• If we made decisions on self interest alone everyone would be against everyone and no
one would benefit
Kantian ethics
• Morality and rationality coincide – to be moral is to be rational
• Only motive to action that can confer moral worth is the motive of duty, we must do
right because it is our duty
Categorical imperative
• Treat other rational beings not only as means but also as ends
• Treat others as capable of and follow the categorical imperative
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