PHI 2600 Lecture Notes - Lecture 55: Categorical Imperative, Consequentialism, Immanuel Kant
Document Summary
Metaethics study of the origin & meaning of ethical concepts metaphysical issues in metaethics whether morality exists independently of humans. Nonphysical: thoughts, spirit, gods psychological issues in metaethics underlying mental basis of our moral judgments & conduct other-worldly (objectivism) 2- cultural: grounded in societal approval cultural relativism values change from one society to another, not eternal ie. pologamy, homosexuality, human sacrifice. Fit in w/ society psychological egoism self oriented interests ultimately motivate all human actions. Hobbes: held that many, if not all, our actions are prompted by selfish desires psychological hedonism pleasure is specific driving force psychological altruism at least some of our actions are motivated by instinctive benevolence. Joseph butler: instinctive selfishness & pleasure prompt much conduct, but we do have capacity to be benevolent also anti-rationalist under metaethics argues moral assessments involve our emotions, and not our reason.
