Bentham, Kant (Theology)

Questions over Kant’s “Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Ethics” (excerpts)
1. According to Kant, what is the only thing that is good without qualification?
2.In this text, Kant defines several “imperatives” (hypothetical, practical, categorical). What is Kant’s most complete definition of the practical imperative and the categorical imperative? Hint: the former begins with the phrase “So act as to treat humanity…” and the latter begins with the phrase “Act only on that maxim…”
3. Kant thinks neither the practical nor the categorical imperative are what he calls “hypothetical imperatives.” What’s the difference between a hypothetical imperative and the and a categorical imperative? (Note that, somewhat confusingly, Kant thinks that both the practical and the categorical imperative are categorical imperatives.)
4. Kant gives two concrete examples to illustrate the moral logic of the practical imperative and the categorical imperative (they involve promise keeping and suicide). Pick one of these examples and describe how he applies each of these imperatives—the practical and the categorical–to these actions (“these actions” = promise keeping and suicide).

Questions over Bentham’s Principles of Morals and Legislation
Please note that your responses to all 4 questions should not be longer than one page (250 words, not including the questions). Answers longer than one page will not be graded.
1. What does Bentham say governs all human actions? Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
2. Bentham argues (in paragraph X) that if an action conforms to the principle of utility1, then it is the morally right thing to do. Given the way in which Bentham defines the principle of utility, do you think he would (or could) defend lying as the right thing to do. Why or why not?
3. Suppose you must decide, as a legislator or a voter, whether to spend 350 million dollars for a new hockey arena or a new hospital. In general terms, how would a utilitarian make this decision? What do you think a utilitarian would ultimately decide is the right thing to do in this case? Why? (Pay particular attention to Chapter IV of the Bentham reading in explaining the “why.”)Questions over Bentham’s Principles of Morals and Legislation
Please note that your responses to all 4 questions should not be longer than one page (250 words, not including the questions). Answers longer than one page will not be graded.
1. What does Bentham say governs all human actions? Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
2. Bentham argues (in paragraph X) that if an action conforms to the principle of utility1, then it is the morally right thing to do. Given the way in which Bentham defines the principle of utility, do you think he would (or could) defend lying as the right thing to do. Why or why not?
3. Suppose you must decide, as a legislator or a voter, whether to spend 350 million dollars for a new hockey arena or a new hospital. In general terms, how would a utilitarian make this decision? What do you think a utilitarian would ultimately decide is the right thing to do in this case? Why? (Pay particular attention to Chapter IV of the Bentham reading in explaining the “why.”)

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