How does Kant's goal or ambition for his ethics represent a challenge to or rejection of relativism and
skepticism? What requirements does Kant think morality has to meet?
What does Kant mean by a "good will"? Define this term precisely. Contrast the good will with the
examples I give in my lecture: A brilliant scientist ("talents of mind"), a charismatic politician ("gifts of
nature"), and a wealthy aesthete ("gifts of fortune"). What is it about the person who acts according to
good will that is more intrinsically valuable than these three other cases? See p. 485.
Consider the three examples of moral motivations that I gave, following Kant. 1. Someone who treats
others well because it is in their personality to do so and they like doing it; 2. the shopkeeper who does not
cheat his customers because it is good for business; and 3. the person who sacrifices his life in order to
save his worst enemy because he knows it is the right thing to do. Which is the most valuable of these
three cases, according to Kant, and what specific concept makes it more valuable than the other two
cases? You may also consider the coldhearted philanthropist case here too. See p. 487-8.
- Explain the First Formulation of the Categorical Imperative with reference to the three-step process
Kant explains to check for the Categorical Imperative. Apply this process to Kant's example of the person
who falsely promises in order to obtain a loan. See p. 493.
- Consider the Second Formulation of the Categorical Imperative. What specific forms of behavior or
action does this formulation absolutely rule out? What implications does this have for how we should
behave?