Deontological Theory

Deontological Theory by Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

The case of shooting the dog: A man initially wanted to kill the man, who was being bitted by a dog. Finally, he accidentally killed the dog.

* Utilitarianism: morally good

* Kant looked at the motivation

How would Kant criticize Utilitarianism?

1. Doesn’t consider the motivation

2. Treat everybody as means (to maximize the general happiness)

3. Not moral theory at all which is not categorical.

The case of charging customers different price

* Pay the same: Fair

* Pay different: Rich should pay more

* Unlike utilitarianism: maybe both good and wrong

*Praiseworthy?

* The “Good Will” – To do what it’s good for no other reason than that it is right.

(Necessary but not sufficient)

The case of singing for charity

* You are actually interested in singing

* You only sing for charity (more praiseworthy)(for no other reason)

Schiller: “I like serving my friends, but unfortunately, I do it from inclination. And so it makes me sad that I am not virtuous enough”

* Act why – to act out of duty to the moral law (right motivation)

a. Right motivation (praiseworthy)

b. Neutral motivation (good but not praiseworthy) (save your own child)

c. Immoral motivation

* Act how – to act according to the moral law (right action)

to act following the categorical imperative =/= hypothetical imperative (there are some purposes)

1st Categorical Imperative: Act only on that Maxim that you Can Will as a universal law.

> If the rule, when it becomes a universal law, leads to a contradiction, then it’s immoral.

The case of stealing a pen > if everyone can steal pen, then there will be no pen for people to steal anymore.

2nd Categorical Imperative: Always treat humanity, whether in your own person or in that of another, Never Simply as a means, but always at the same time as an end.

>Autonomy: we won’t use something (means) valued higher than which to satisfy ourselves (end). So Value of people is...