Question

Which one of the following claims made by the utilitarians would Kant reject?

1) ethical principles are objective
2) ethics concerns only our relations with others, for we have no moral duties to ourselves
3) there can be a difference between what society thinks is moral and what really is
4) all of the above

Answer 1

Kant would likely reject the claim that ethics concerns only our relations with others and that we have no moral duties to ourselves because his deontological ethics includes both perfect and imperfect duties that also pertain to self-regard.

Step-by-step explanation:

Of the claims made by the utilitarians, Immanuel Kant would most likely reject the second claim, which states that ethics concerns only our relations with others, for we have no moral duties to ourselves. Kant believed in the existence of perfect duties and imperfect duties and that we have moral duties both to ourselves and to others, which are based on the objective framework of the Categorical Imperative. Kant's deontological approach to ethical principles emphasizes that some ethical principles, such as not to lie or kill, must be followed under all circumstances, reflecting the importance he places on self-duty in addition to duty towards others.

When considering the claims:

1. ethical principles are objective
2. ethics concerns only our relations with others, for we have no moral duties to ourselves
3. there can be a difference between what society thinks is moral and what really is
4. all of the above

Kant would reject (2) as utilitarianism tends to focus on the consequences of actions and their impact on overall happiness, which can sometimes neglect individual moral duties to oneself. Claim (2) does not align with Kant's view on the necessity of self-regarding duties.