Lectures on the History of Moral and Political Philosophy by Wolff Jonathan Cohen G. A

Author:Wolff, Jonathan, Cohen, G. A.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Published: 2013-07-27T16:00:00+00:00

12TH DISTINCTION: WHAT KANT’S UNIVERSALIZABITY TEST IS NOT

(1) Not rule utilitarianism, for its test (if everybody behaved so, consequences would be bad) presupposes independent notion of what is good. Kant is not saying the universalized state of affairs must not be unwillable.

(2) Not Hareianism, for his test is whether you think it right for others. Kant whether you can will others. Also first way of going wrong (logical one) absent in Hare.

(3) Not Golden Rule (a) The Golden Rule is positive—used to generate maxims, not test them. (b) The Golden Rule also eliminates first way of going wrong.

The two ways of going wrong: (a) Logical—associated with perfect duty—transgressions, datable and victims specifiable (promises, lies, breach of contract, severe injury (exception)). (b) Psychological—associated with imperfect duty—not datable—not specifiable. Latitude of choice is given. (Benevolence, due consideration (exception).)

Problems:

(1) What is the right description? The one under which the man acts: But then sincerity tests are required.

(2) Suppose a debt is onerous. Creditor wants to be paid, debtor to escape payment. If each universalizes, conflict remains. (Debtor proposes to pay, creditor to let him off.) Whose perspective rules? Utilitarian solution possible, but it is not a Kantian one.

(3) How can I will that anyone occupy this space? Maxim must be general.

(4) Billy Budd type case.83

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