Rights Approach

Presentation prepared by Anna Peachy, Kelsey Rickerman, and Angie Kelly

LP: Ethical Theory Presentation

Section: Tuesday, April 1st 2008 @ 1:30 pm

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach

Kantian Ethics: Rights Approach

Each human being has dignity and is worthy of respect.

Human dignity gives rise to fundamental moral rights.

Rights

Rights are legitimate claims persons

have on others and society

*Two kinds

~Protects human freedom

~Minimum level of well being

Categorical Imperative

A Rule For Testing Rules

StepsConsider the maximGeneralize the principle

Perform test onePerform test two, if necessary

Example OneUsing test one

Maxim: I may make a false promise… Generalized: Anyone may make a false

promise…

~This is self-contradictory because:

If anyone may make a …Result: I may not act on that maxim. The maxim fails Test One.

Example TwoUsing test one and two

Maxim: I may refuse to help another…Generalized: Anyone may refuse to

help…

~Can it be conceived? Yes.

~Could you will to be universal law?Result: You cannot act on the "Bad

Samaritan" maxim.

Good Will Kant says that only one (kind of)

thing is inherently good, and that is the good will.

Good WillWe control will behind action

Morally good action vs. morally right action.

“Without qualification”

Moral worth depends on motive

The Duality of the Human The Duality of the Human SituationSituation

~Humans vs. Animals~Humans vs. Animals~Morality~Morality

Criticisms

~Kant’s approach gives

little aid for complex situations

Criticism

~Kant dismisses emotions such as pity and compassion as

irrelevant to morality

Criticism

~Kant’s approach doesn’t take the consequences of actions seriously enough

Current Ethical Dilemma

Euthenasia: Does the intent to relieve suffering outweigh the responsibility to preserve life?

*Dr. Kevorkian

Conclusion

After two hundred years, Kant remains After two hundred years, Kant remains an absolutely central figure in the Rights an absolutely central figure in the Rights Approach, one from whom we can learn Approach, one from whom we can learn much even when we disagree with himmuch even when we disagree with him..

Review QuestionsReview Questions

1.1. What do you consider the weakness of What do you consider the weakness of Kant’s Rights Approach?Kant’s Rights Approach?

2.2. What do you consider the strengths of What do you consider the strengths of Kant’s Rights Approach?Kant’s Rights Approach?

3.3. Do you see yourself using the Rights Do you see yourself using the Rights Approach in your life?Approach in your life?