Lecture 2: Some Basic Distinctions
What is Ethics/Morality?
What is Objectivity?
Preparation for the Reading
Please Read the First Section of FPMM
What is Ethics/Morality?
Is it the study of right & wrong, good & bad?
– problems with that definition
Is ethics the same as etiquette?
– problems
Is ethics the same as law?
– problems
What is Objectivity?
Group work on these questions:
(1) What does it mean to say that a moral judgment is objectively valid?
(2) Are moral judgments objectively valid?
(3) What does it mean to say that a scientific judgment is objectively valid?
(4) Are scientific judgments objectively valid?
(5) Mathematical truths do not appear to vary from place to place, but etiquette does. Are moral claims more like claims in mathematics or like those belonging to etiquette?
What is Objectivity?
Brainstorm "Objectivity"
First thing that comes to mind
No right or wrong answers
Preparation for the Reading
What does Kant mean by
– good will?
– maxim?
– practical reason (as opposed to theoretical)?
As you read, ask yourself, why does Kant use the terms
– duty?
– moral law?