PHIL 205 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Deontological Ethics, Categorical Imperative, Immanuel Kant
Document Summary
Good vs. bad is relative, it depends on the persons" beliefs. Moral relativism views beliefs in the same way as tastes. We talk about our moral convictions as if they are nothing more than preferences. The right act to perform under any circumstances is the one that has the best consequences/would bring about the best state of affairs. To the greatest extent possible, act such that your actions bring about the greatest balance of happiness over unhappiness, the most well- being to the largest number of sentient beings. Your actions ought to be universalizable (can it be turned into a universal moral law?) Act only according to the maxim by which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law. Act so you treat humanity in yourself and in others- always as an end and not as a means only (don"t use humans as something that is just a tool.
