PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics

PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics
John Doe
Allied American University

Author Note This paper was prepared for PHI 107: Introduction to Ethics, Check Your Understanding Module 2 taught by Steven Klein.

Directions: Please provide detailed and elaborate responses to the following questions. Your responses should include examples from the reading assignments. Each response should be at least one half of one page in length and utilize APA format.

1. According to Kant, when is an action morally praise-worthy?
Firstly, an action, according to Kant, is considered moral if the principle motivating the action is universalizable. Kant’s ethics is considered a deontological theory, meaning that the action’s morality is in the action itself, separated from results and consequences. For it to be praise-worthy and moral, the action must work and implemented on a universal scale.

2. Describe one of the criticisms often leveled against Kant's theory.
· One criticism against Kant’s theory is that it relies on subjective judgment. Kant’s theory judges what principles should be universalizable, which allows possibilities on being able to justify committing horrendous acts.

3. Although the two versions of the categorical imperative appear different, Kant contends that they are two ways of stating the same thing. How does Kant support his claim?
· Kant believed in always treating people with respect, as ends in themselves, and never as a means to our own ends. Kant supported his claims of stating the same thing in two different ways by stating that “all persons must be treated as ends in themselves” is the same as “always act in such a way that you can will that your act should be a universal law”.

4. What is the difference between a qualitative pleasure and a quantitative pleasure?
· Qualitative pleasure is defined as “the pleasures enjoyed by those in positions of power and privilege”. “High quality” pleasure, however, is something hard to justify and describe, since everyone has difference preferences in what they enjoy. Quantitative pleasure is pleasure measured by a number. It is argued that qualitative pleasure outweighs quantitative pleasure.

5. What is the difference between a teleological theory and a deontological theory of ethics?
· A teleological theory differs from a deontological theory by their beliefs in consequences. Teleological derives from the Greek word, telos, which means end. Teleological theories are considered consequentialist theories, basing ethical rules on consequences. It is believed within a teleological theory that actions are considered “good” if it produces “good” results, and makes ends worthwhile. Deontological theories don’t believe consequences matter in ethics, while teleological theories believe consequences are the only things that matter.