Kantian ethics

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JuergenHabermas

Thomas Nagel teaching Ethics

G.W.F. Hegel (by Sichling, after Sebbers)

Kantian ethics refers to a deontological ethical theory ascribed to the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. The theory, developed as part of Kant's practical philosophy, proposes that the morality of actions is determined by whether they are performed out of duty and in accordance with a universal moral law, rather than by their outcomes. Kantian ethics is best known for its assertion that the intention behind an action is what makes it morally right or wrong, not the consequences of the action itself.

Overview

Kantian ethics is grounded in Kant's belief in the supremacy of reason and the concept of autonomy. According to Kant, moral requirements are based on a standard of rationality he dubbed the Categorical Imperative. Kant argues that to act in the morally right way, individuals must act from duty, and it is the nature of the act itself, not any desire to produce an outcome, that makes it right.

Categorical Imperative

The Categorical Imperative is Kant's central philosophical concept in moral philosophy. It acts as the definitive principle of morality, which Kant formulates in several ways, the most prominent of which are:

1. Universalizability Principle: "Act only according to that maxim whereby you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." 2. Humanity as an End: "Act in such a way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, never merely as a means to an end, but always at the same time as an end."

These formulations emphasize the importance of treating individuals as ends in themselves and ensuring that actions can be universalized, meaning they can be consistently applied to everyone without contradiction.

Moral Autonomy

Kantian ethics places significant emphasis on the concept of moral autonomy, the idea that individuals are self-governing and must follow moral laws that they impose upon themselves. This contrasts with heteronomy, where actions are determined by external forces or desires. For Kant, autonomy is the foundation of human dignity and the moral law.

Criticism and Influence

Kantian ethics has been both influential and controversial. Critics argue that its emphasis on duty can lead to conflicts between duties and overlook the moral importance of outcomes. Others find its universal principles too rigid and abstract to apply to the complexities of real-life moral situations.

Despite these criticisms, Kantian ethics remains a cornerstone of contemporary ethical thought. It has influenced a wide range of philosophical debates and approaches, including discourse ethics, deontological ethics, and theories of justice. Its emphasis on rationality, autonomy, and respect for persons has made it a fundamental reference point in discussions of human rights, legal theory, and moral philosophy.

See Also

• Deontological ethics
• Ethical formalism
• Philosophy of law
• Moral philosophy