Philosophy-Non-Consequentialist Theories

Consequentialist ethical theories evaluate the ethical status of actions based upon their consequences. Non-Consequentialist ethical theories evaluate the ethical status of actions based upon their conformity to some standard of right and wrong.

-Kant observed that moral obligation that is conditional (x is good under condition y) is relative, which leads to situation ethics. Only unconditional moral obligations can be truly universal and absolute. Therefore, consequentialist ethical theories cannot reveal the moral absolutes, according to Kant.

According to Kant, A posteriori knowledge is inductive and probabilistic, and therefore experience cannot be the basis of moral absolutes. Therefore moral absolutes must be derived in an a priori fashionWhat a priori ethical principle could we possibly devise? What ethical principle can we discover without recourse to empirical observation

"act only to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that is should become a universal law. Kant also called this the imperative or morality and others have called it the principle of Universalizibility It is an imperative in that it commands us to act in a certain way. (it tells us our duty)It is categorical as opposed to hypothetical, and therefore applies regardless of the circumstances. (it is our duty at all times)

Focuses on the character of a person rather than the character of an action (virtues are characteristic s of people, not actions)A virtuous character will manifest itself in moral action, but is not made virtuous by performing this action (it is non-consequentialist)Actions are determined to be a moral based upon the character of the actor rather than the consequences of the action.

-We will not be happy unless we fulfill our telos (purpose in life)-The ability to be ethical (virtuous) is one of the chief things that sets humans apart from other animals- it is our telos-Therefore to be happy we must cultivate our virtuosity: our fairness, self-control, courage, etc. Problems-This theory does not provide a criterion for the identification of a virtuous person (real or hypothetical) -This theory does not provide an explanation of what makes the virtues themselves good, or how we can justify our belief that they are so.