Lecture 1 Ethics
Kant’s View of Human Nature (physiology)
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| Kant’s View of Human Nature (physiology) Two things that motivate our behaviour (dual nature – physical and rational inclination & reason Inclinations: desires. They are about self-interest and happiness. They arise from our animal side (we do not choose them. They motivate our behaviour. Ie; you desire choc. Something physiological that makes us desire it. …. You feel pleasure when someone compliments you on a job well done (physiological connection to the pleasure) Reason: logic. Reason governs our inclinations. Separates us from animals Humanity ≈ autonomy ≈ rationality [reason] Moral dilemmas arise when you have to choose between actions, and someone’s welfare will be significantly negatively affected no matter which action is taken. Morality presupposes autonomy (assumes autonomy) Autonomy: free from external control or influence [free to do as we please] Animals are not autonomous they are subject to their inclinations amoral beings and driving by instinct. Humans have the ability to be autonomous – to determine their own actions. If we are autonomous, then we can choose, and if we can choose then we have the potential to be moral beings. Our autonomy lies at the essence of our humanness – our humanity If we autonomous we can choose, and if we can choose then we have the potential to be moral beings. Our autonomy lies at the essence of our humanity If we are autonomous, then we can choose, and if we can choose then we are moral belings. Autonomy lies at the essence of humanity Our reason must govern our inclinations. We should use our reason to assess our inclinations to determine which we ought to follow. Act so that you treat humanity , whether in your own person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only. Humanity → our essential humanness the autonomy that defines us as humans. Act so that you treat the essential humanness of people with respect. |