Kantian Ethics

Definition

Kantian ethics is a deontological moral philosophy developed by the German philosopher Immanuel Kant. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to moral duties and principles, rather than focusing on the consequences of one's actions. Kantian ethics provides a framework for being a professional of integrity, committing to an ethical view, and becoming an ethical professional.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of acting from duty and in accordance with moral principles, rather than being motivated by emotions or personal desires.
2. The Categorical Imperative is the cornerstone of Kantian ethics, which requires that one's actions be universalizable and treat others as ends in themselves, never merely as means.
3. Kantian ethics promotes moral autonomy, the idea that individuals have the freedom and responsibility to make their own moral choices based on reason and universal principles.
4. Kantian ethics is considered a deontological theory, as it judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to moral rules or duties, rather than its consequences.
5. Kantian ethics has been influential in the development of professional ethics, as it provides a framework for upholding moral integrity and principles in the face of competing interests or pressures.

Review Questions

• Explain how Kantian ethics relates to the concept of being a professional of integrity.
  • Kantian ethics emphasizes the importance of acting in accordance with moral principles and duties, rather than being driven by emotions or personal desires. This aligns with the idea of being a professional of integrity, where one upholds ethical standards and makes decisions based on reason and universal moral rules, rather than succumbing to external pressures or temptations. Kantian ethics provides a framework for professionals to maintain their moral autonomy and treat others as ends in themselves, never merely as means to an end, which is essential for preserving integrity in the workplace.
• Describe how Kantian ethics supports the notion of committing to an ethical view.
  • Kantian ethics encourages individuals to commit to a set of moral principles and duties that they believe should be universally applied. The Categorical Imperative, the central tenet of Kantian ethics, requires that one's actions be universalizable, meaning that the individual must be willing to have their maxim become a universal law. This commitment to a moral framework that transcends personal desires or consequences is a key aspect of Kantian ethics and aligns with the idea of committing to an ethical view. By embracing Kantian ethics, professionals can develop a strong ethical foundation and remain steadfast in their moral convictions, even in the face of competing interests or pressures.
• Analyze how Kantian ethics can contribute to an individual becoming an ethical professional.
  • Kantian ethics provides a robust framework for ethical decision-making that can guide professionals in becoming more ethical. By emphasizing the importance of moral duties, principles, and the treatment of others as ends in themselves, Kantian ethics encourages professionals to make decisions that uphold universal moral standards, rather than being swayed by personal gain or external influences. The emphasis on moral autonomy in Kantian ethics also empowers professionals to take responsibility for their actions and maintain their integrity, even in challenging situations. Furthermore, the Categorical Imperative's requirement for universalizable maxims can help professionals develop a consistent, principled approach to ethical dilemmas, ultimately contributing to their transformation into more ethical professionals.

Related terms

Categorical Imperative: Kant's central moral principle, which states that one should 'act only in accordance with that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it become a universal law.'

Duty-Based Ethics: A normative ethical theory that judges the morality of an action based on the action's adherence to a rule or rules, rather than the action's consequences.

Moral Autonomy: The ability to freely choose and act in accordance with one's own moral principles, without external coercion or manipulation.