Non-Consequentialism: Objectives and Readings

A normative deontic theory is non-consequentialist if it rates the morality/immorality of an act independently of the act's consequences. Kantian ethics is the paradigm consequentialist theory.

OPTIONAL: View online introductory lecture on Kant's ethics by Professor Lawrence Hinman of the University of San Diego.

OBJECTIVES

After studying this material, you should be able to:

  1. Explain the difference between a deontic and an aretaic normative ethical theory.

  2. Explain the difference between consequentialism and non-consequentialism.

  3. Explain why, according to Kant, consequentialist morality is not real morality.

  4. Explain the difference between a categorical imperative and a hypothetical imperative.

  5. Explain the two versions of the Categorical Imperative discussed in the readings.

You will write about Kant's ethics for your final paper. The final paper is the final exam.

READINGS
Week 13 Non-Consequentialism (aka "deontological ethics") Duty-based (deontological) ethics [from Internet Encyclopeida of Philosophy]
Kant's ethics JR Ch 9 and 10
"Good Will, Duty, and the Categorical Imperative" (SS)
Kant's Ethics

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