Self-Quiz 2.4: Immanuel Kant, The Good Will and the Categorical Imperative

Kant claims that the only thing that can be said to be good "without limitation" is

happiness.

the full development of human potential.

the good will.

kindness.

A categorical imperative is a requirement of reason that

tells us that if we want something, we'd better act a certain way.

applies to us regardless of our desires.

applies to all living creatures.

demands that we conceptualize the world in certain ways.

Kant's second formulation of the categorical imperative requires that we

treat all living creatures with respect.

treat the weak and vulnerable with special care.

maximize happiness.

treat human beings as ends in themselves.

According to Kant, what makes a will good?

Its actual accomplishments

Its fitness to accomplish certain ends

Its volition—that it wills the good

All of the above

According to Kant's theory, telling a white lie is

morally required.

morally permissible.

morally impermissible.

sometimes morally permissible and sometimes morally impermissible.

What is the only thing Kant takes to be "good without limitation"?

Talents

Happiness

A good will

Lack of worry

What is a maxim in Kant's terminology?

A wise saying that gives good advice about how to act morally

Any principle upon which one bases one's action

A false moral principle

A true moral principle

Which does Kant think has more moral worth: grudgingly giving money to charity because you know it's the right thing to do or happily giving money to charity just because you like helping people?

Grudgingly giving the money has more moral worth.

Happily giving the money has more moral worth.

They are both morally worthy and to an equal degree.

Neither has any moral worth.

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