Kantian Ethics

According to Kant, which of these actions would have true moral worth?

• Donating to charity because it feels good

• Helping a friend just to get a favour in return

• Returning a lost wallet purely out of duty, even if you really want to keep the cash

• Keeping your snack to yourself because you’re too hungry to share

What would Kant probably say about sneaking out of work early?

• It’s fine as long as you’re not caught!

• Only if it brings you true happiness.

• Go for it—just do it quietly.

• Never, because you wouldn’t want sneaking out to become a universal rule

Kant’s Categorical Imperative is best summed up by which phrase?

• “Do the best for majority”

• “Always act according to your heart’s desire.”

• “Act only in a way you’d want everyone else to act.”

• “Do whatever it takes to achieve happiness.”

Which of these actions would Kant likely consider immoral?

• Telling a harmless lie to make a friend laugh

• Following a rule out of duty, even if it’s inconvenient

• Doing something out of habit, without much thought

• Choosing chocolate over vanilla ice cream

If everyone started following Kant’s Categorical Imperative strictly, what would society look like?

• A place where lying is acceptable if it prevents hurt feelings

• A society where everyone acts with honesty, regardless of personal gain

• A world where people act only out of self-interest

• A world with no snacks left because sharing would be universal

The main test for Kant’s Categorical Imperative is to ask whether an action could become a ________ ________ without contradiction.

According to Kant, an action has true moral worth only if it is done from ________ and not merely to achieve a personal goal.

Kant believed that ________ ________ is the only thing that is “good without qualification.”

Kant’s ethics requires that we treat people as ________, not merely as a ________ to an end.

Describe a situation where you might struggle to act in accordance with Kant’s Categorical Imperative. Why would it be difficult, and what would Kant likely advise you to do?