Assumption University PHI-151-06 SP2020: Kant's Ethics Quiz

This assignment presents a student's responses to a philosophy quiz focusing on Immanuel Kant's ethical theories. The quiz covers Kant's critique of Hobbes and Bentham, the grounding of his moral principles, and the distinction between hypothetical and categorical imperatives. It explores the concept of a "good will," how one determines the "good" in Kant's system, and the role of maxims. Additionally, the assignment addresses Kant's categorical imperatives, including the Universal Law Maker and the Humanity receiver, as well as the Formula of Autonomy. The student provides concise answers to each question, demonstrating an understanding of Kant's deontological ethics, the categorical imperative, and related concepts like autonomy and respect within his moral framework, referencing key texts and formulations of Kant's ideas.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Authors note

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PHILOSOPHY
Answer 1:
Although Kant and Hobbes views are identical in terms of social contract theory but
substantial there is difference among them, bases on argument between on Hobbes benefits of
individuals and Kant’s right to freedom for all. Also in terms of Bentham's morality, he believes
that one’s happiness can determine the moral worth regarding an action, however, Kant criticizes
this because he believes that good will cannot be always proportionate to virtuous behaviour
(Guyer 1995).
Answer 2:
Kant's moral principles refers to a deontological theory of ethics. This theory emerged as
a result of Enlightenment rationalism which is based on a view that the intrinsic good thing is a
good will (Guyer 1995).
Answer 3:
Categorical imperatives identify actions in particular we ought to take regardless of the
fact that it would enable us to achieve whatever we want. A suitable example of categorical
imperatives is, ‘keep your promises'. On the other side Hypothetical imperatives specify actions
that we ought to take, only in the case if we have specific goal, there are certain rules, like, ‘if
some wants to Eiffel tower, then that person needs to travel to Paris(Guyer 1995). There are
many ethicists including Kant who considers that the moral rules are categorical imperatives, it
often express the action which we ought to do, despite of the fact that whether doing all this
would satisfy or meet our needs and promote happiness, for example, an individual wants to
ought to fulfil a promise which she has made even after she changed her mind, because doing
this would be unpleasant and in no way serves her purpose (Paton 1948).

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PHILOSOPHY
Answer 4:
As per Kant, a good will refers to ‘good without qualification’, like, an absolute good in-
itself, as good in every aspect possible or universally good in all instances. He points out on the
other side, that, all the things which people consider to be good can become extremely bad if the
will if making then is not good enough (Paton 1948).
Answer 5:
In order to determine the ‘good’, it is important to act out of a moral obligation because
by reasoning one may understand the recognition of morally right and wrong action (Paton
1948).
Answer 6:
In terms of deontological ethics, under the notion of Kantian ethics the Maxims are
considered as actions based on subjective principle. For instance, the categorical imperative is
stated canonically as, ‘act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will
that it should become a universal law’ (Guyer 1995).
Answer 7:
a) Universal Law Maker
b) The ethical egoism of Hobbes claims bases of morality upon self interest.
Answer 8:
a) Humanity receiver
b) Kant's second formulation of CI is all about treating humanity as an end in itself, ‘act in such a
way that you treat humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of another, always at
the same time as an end and never simply as a means' (Guyer 1995).

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PHILOSOPHY
Answer 9:
a) The formula of Autonomy.
b) Kant claims that the third formulation is based on objective situations on the CI, which will be
universal and therefore has the ability of becoming a nature’s law.
Answer 10:
In terms of Kant's moral theory is all about the idea regarding autonomy, understanding
this theory is the key to understand and justify the authority that the moral requirements have.
However, the notion of autonomy and respect are related as the singular, motivation by duty in
Kant’s view is consists of bare respect towards the moral law (Paton 1948).

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References:
Guyer, P., 1995. The possibility of the categorical imperative. The Philosophical Review, 104(3),
pp.353-385.
https://youtu.be/8rv-4aUbZxQ
https://youtu.be/Q47lKczNtuI
Paton, H.J., 1948. The moral law: Kant's groundwork of the metaphysic of morals. Hutchinson
University Library.