Ethic Questions

Chapter 11 – The Kantian Perspective: Fairness and Justice

1. What is a maxim, and what does it mean for a maxim to be universalizable? How does the principle of universalizability differ from the golden rule?

A maxim is the principle of action you give yourself when you are about to do something. In order for a maxim to be universalizable, it has to go through a three part test: 1) Formulate your maxim clearly – State what you intend to do, and why you intend to do it. 2) Imagine a world in which everyone supports and acts on your maxim. 3) Then ask: Can the goal of my action be achieved in such a world? If the answer to number three is “yes” then the maxim is universalizable, if the answer is no, then it is not universalizable. The principle of universalizability differs from the golden rule by being more of a general statement while the golden rule is an idea that applies individually independent to each person.

3. What is the difference between hypothetical and categorical imperatives? Why did Kant think that morality consists of categorical imperatives?

The difference between a categorical imperative and a hypothetical imperative is that a categorical imperative is seen as an absolute and universal moral obligation while a Hypothetical imperative is not universal or absolute, because it is conditioned based on some goal or desire. Kant thought morality consists of categorical imperatives because they apply for the simple fact that we are rational beings.

5. Is integrity always a virtue? Why or why not?

Integrity can be seen as a problem sometimes. In some occasions, someone who has integrity can still be doing wrong, so integrity is only worthy of admiration only when it’s tied to morally legitimate principles since we want those people with flawed principles to be open to the possibility that their guiding ideals are mistaken.

Chapter 12 – The Kantian Perspective: Autonomy and Respect

1. What is the relationship between Kant’s principle of...