Moralism and cruelty: reflections on Hume and Kant

Article Abstract:

Kant's moral system seems excessively cruel in comparison with Hume's, although cruelty is admittedly a Humean criterion for judging morality. Kant advocated severe forms of punishment according to the principle of 'jus talionis' whereas Hume pointed out the difficulty of determining morally acceptable punishments which would contribute to future good. Hume's morality relies on disapprobation rather than punishment. Humean scorn and ridicule could become a subtler form of cruelty, but Hume focused on criticism of character types rather than specific living persons.

Cruelty, Hume, David

---

Morality as Consistency in Living: Korsgaard's Kantian Lectures(*)

Article Abstract:

Christine Korsgaard's interpretation of Kant's ethical theory in 'The Sources of Normativity' is discussed, with a focus on consistency as an ethical requirement, the derivation of the Categorical Imperative and the moral law, along with consideration of duties to others. Topics include substance and logic, substantive moral foundations, reflective subjectivism, practical identity, self-worth, actions worth undertaking, pleasure and pain, and private versus public reasons.

Criticism and interpretation, The Sources of Normativity (Book), Korsgaard, Christine M.

---

Kant, Ideal Theory, and the Justice of Exclusionary Zoning(*)

Article Abstract:

The use of exclusionary zoning in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, during the mid- to late 1970s is discussed in relation to Kant's ideal theory of justice. An augmentation of Kantian theory with intermediate principles of independence and minimization is suggested to address the real-world problem of exclusionary zoning.

New Jersey, Political aspects, Justice, Exclusionary zoning, Mount Laurel, New Jersey

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Reasons, relations, and commands: reflections on Darwall. Morality as equal accountability: comments on Stephen Darwall's "The Second-Person Standpoint"
• Abstracts: A role for virtue ethics in the analysis of business practice. Employee vice: some competing models
• Abstracts: Trustworthiness and conscientiousness as managerial virtues. Time pressure and ethical decision-making: the case for moral readiness
• Abstracts: What is at stake in taking responsibility? Lessons from third-party property insurance. Consumer sovereignty, rationality and the mandatory labelling of genetically modified food
• Abstracts: Killing, letting die, and withdrawing aid. Paradoxes of abortion and prenatal injury. A challenge to common sense morality

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.