PP110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Universalizability
Document Summary
Pp110 lesson 10 (aristotle; human nature, utilitarianism; sanctions, kant; reason) The claim is that since we can generate this kind of contradiction, the maxim fails the test, and therefore suicide is immoral. I am committed to the maintenance of a system of trust. I am committed to the destruction of a system of trust. For kant, whatever does not pass the test, can never be done morally - example of this is lying. Kant thinks it can never be universalized, so it is always immoral. The classic: i will borrow money with no intention of paying it back, whenever i"m short on money, i will borrow some with no intention of repaying it 3. Kant: this maxim results in a contradiction, and it is therefore immoral to lie or break a promise. Utilitarianism"s by contrast are much more flexible. If lying maximized utility, then by all means do it.
