Question/Answer (Immanuel Kant Theories)

1. What characterizes consequentialist moral theories, such as Utilitarianism? How do they work? Can you provide concrete examples?

2. How would you explain the Greatest Happiness Principle? How does it apply to concrete situations? Can you provide concrete examples?

3. What is the argument that we should maximize happiness (pleasure)?

4. What is John Stuart Mill’s argument for the claim that higher (intellectual) pleasures are intrinsically (in and of themselves) better than lower (sensual) pleasures?

5. How would you explain the practicality criticism that challenges Utilitarianism? Can you provide (your own) examples?

6. How would you explain the personal integrity criticism that challenges Utilitarianism? Can you provide (your own) examples?

7. How would you explain the ‘means and ends’ criticism that challenges Utilitarianism? Can you provide (your own) examples?

8. How would you explain the First Form of Kant’s Categorical Imperative? Can you provide (your own) examples of how it applies to concrete moral decisions?

9. How would you explain the Second Form of Kant’s Categorical Imperative? Can you provide (your own) examples of how it applies to concrete moral decisions?

10. How would you explain the criticism of Kant’s notion of right motive? Can you provide (your own) concrete examples?

11. How would you explain the criticism of the First Form of the Categorical Imperative? Can you provide (your own) concrete examples?

12. How would you explain the criticism of the Second Form of the Categorical Imperative? Can you provide (your own) concrete examples?

• Immanuel Kant – Background
Non-Consequentialism
Duty
• The Categorical Imperative – First Form
The Categorical Imperative – The Second Form
Evaluating Kant’s Theory: Right Motive
Evaluating Kant’s Theory – The First Form of the Categorical Imperative
Evaluating Kant’s Theory – The Second Form of the Categorical Imperative