PHIL 201 Lecture Notes - Universalizability, Fetus
Document Summary
Neil makes a pretty persuasive defense of kants philosophy. He says you can establish moral theory without any heteronomous laws. You can base a morality just on consistency. (interpretation of kant). It is important to know what a maxim is because when you decide to do an action you look at the maxim. It is not clearly stated by kant what a maxim is. P. 615 2nd collum-a maxim is the underlying intention of your action. Suppose someone is visiting and you want to make them feel comfortable. How you want to do that are more specific questions, which tea you will use . these are surface intentions. Is the underlying intention universalizable and still practical for you. And there is no inconsistency in unverversalizing that intention. There is no problem with everyone practicing making their guests comfortable. A sign of going against duty is a certain kind of inconsistency.