Question 1

The term &#34;maxim&#34; in Kant's writing refers to the&#10;A) principle underlying a decision to act in a particular way.&#10;B) intended effect of a particular action.&#10;C) inclination to act in a certain way.&#10;D) highest level of moral virtue.

Accepted Answer

A maxim, according to Kant, is the principle or rule that an individual adopts as the reason for their action. It reflects the subjective principle of volition, essentially the "why" behind one's actions.

Question 2

According to O'Neill, to use someone as a mere means is&#10;A) to seek to profit from them in some way.&#10;B) to put one's own interests before theirs.&#10;C) to use them in a way to which they could not in principle consent.&#10;D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

To use someone as a mere means, according to O'Neill, is to involve them in an action to which they cannot in principle consent. This concept emphasizes the importance of respecting individuals' autonomy and ability to consent, rather than merely not harming or benefiting from them.

Question 3

Why am I not necessarily acting immorally when I use a bank teller to cash my paycheck?&#10;A) Because the teller can consent in principle to being used in this way.&#10;B) Because the categorical imperative does not apply to business transactions.&#10;C) Because I can give some of the money to a worthy cause.&#10;D) Because I might need the money to survive.

Accepted Answer

The teller can consent in principle to being used in this way, as their job involves providing this service, and they have agreed to perform such tasks as part of their employment. This mutual understanding and consent make the action morally permissible.

Question 4

Which of the following would violate the categorical imperative?&#10;A) A fraudulent mortgage contract&#10;B) Sexual harassment in the workplace&#10;C) Telling a lie to save the life of an innocent person&#10;D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

The categorical imperative, a concept introduced by philosopher Immanuel Kant, requires that actions must be universally applicable and respect the autonomy of all individuals. A fraudulent mortgage contract, sexual harassment, and even telling a lie (even to save a life) would all violate this principle, as they involve deceit, manipulation, or disrespect towards others, and cannot be universally applied as moral laws.

Question 5

The Formula of the End in Itself requires that one must&#10;A) treat all sentient beings as ends in themselves.&#10;B) never cause pain to a rational agent.&#10;C) treat all rational agents as ends in themselves.&#10;D) always treat humanity as a means to promote the best end.

Accepted Answer

The Formula of the End in Itself, as articulated by Immanuel Kant, emphasizes the moral obligation to treat all rational agents (i.e., beings capable of rational thought and autonomy) as ends in themselves, rather than merely as means to an end. This principle underscores the intrinsic value of rational beings and the respect and consideration they are owed.

Question 6

O'Neill finds the requirements of Kant's moral theory to be excessively demanding.

Accepted Answer

The answer of O'Neill finds the requirements of Kant's moral...

Question 7

According to O'Neill, the various versions of Kant's categorical imperative look extremely dissimilar.

Accepted Answer

O'Neill argues that while Kant's formulations of the categorical imperative may appear different, they are fundamentally connected and aim to express the same underlying principle of moral law.

Question 8

To avoid doing wrong, Kant thinks we should act to promote the happiness of as many people as possible.

Accepted Answer

Kant's ethical theory is based on the principle of duty and the categorical imperative, not on the consequences of actions or the promotion of happiness.

Question 9

According to Kant, it is always immoral to use someone as a means.

Accepted Answer

Kant argues that it is immoral to use someone merely as a means to an end without considering their rationality and autonomy. However, using someone as a means to an end is permissible as long as the person is also treated as an end in themselves.

Question 10

According to O'Neill, to treat another rational agent as a mere means is wrong, unless doing so is required to treat other rational agents as ends in themselves.

Accepted Answer

O'Neill argues that treating another rational agent as a mere means is always wrong, as it fails to respect their autonomy and rationality, which are key to treating them as ends in themselves.

Question 11

A number of popular TV shows and films in recent years have gotten big laughs by involving unsuspecting people in interviews, conversations, and other interactions that the shows' producers and viewers know to be absurd hoaxes. What do you think Kant would make of this trend in comedy? If you are familiar with any shows of this type, it might be helpful to develop your answer with reference to specific examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of A number of popular TV shows and...

Question 12

Suppose if you tell one lie, (and thereby treat a rational agent as a mere means), you may prevent five other people from being used as mere means. Should you tell the lie? Would it violate the categorical imperative? Why or why not? How might this case be used as an objection to Kant?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suppose if you tell one lie, (and...

Question 13

You may either repay a debt you owe and your family will starve to death, or you may break your promise and feed your family. Which choice would you make? How would O'Neill evaluate your decision?

Accepted Answer

The answer of You may either repay a debt you...

Deck 13: A Simplified Account of Kants Ethics Onora Oneill