PP110 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Hypothetical Imperative, Categorical Imperative, Deontological Ethics
Document Summary
Older than utilitarianism (not as old as virtue ethics) The second formulation: the categorical imperative. Kant couldn"t write for shit, but 30% of philosophical vocabulary comes from him. > from greek word deont which is derived from die = it is right to all similarly situated moral agents) > a command; categorical -> exceptionless, absolute (the command applies. The opposing concept is a hypothetical imperative (contrast!) Ex. if you want to get a job, you get one. ^hypothetical condition, ^command (only applies with the condition) Ex. if it is your duty to donate to charity, even if you do not feel like it, it still applies to you. Kant did not want moral reasoning polluted by personal interests (which tend to go against moral actions: first formulation: ci1. Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law. A) formulate a maxim" (a general principle of action)
