Theory of Formalism

Group 3 5ChE-A:
Eugenio, Francis Darwin
Labutong, Fidel
Landicho, Keichell
Matias, Karlo Louise
Magalong, Marinella Kris
Mendoza, Jennica
Micaller, Ian Kenneth
Miranda, Kenneth
Pangilinan, Jerina Joy

Definition
It is a theory in ethics that states that morals
should be based off of logic and reason
A particular act is wrong or right in itself,
notwithstanding the situation (no context on
situation)
In simpler words, if something is wrong, it is
absolutely wrong all the time
An absolutist system

Scientific Formalism and Its

Influence on Ethical Formalism
In Ancient Greek metaphysics, formalism (emphasizing the
formal) is the view that objects should be treated with
exemplary attention to its form rather than its matter or
content.
Notable proponents include Plato (c. 430--347 B.C.) and
Aristotle (384--322 B.C.)
Focuses on the structural and functional properties that
instances of an object and derives its conclusions from those
alone
Mathematical theories and postulates are deemed to be
formalist as calculations work how they are

Scientific Formalism and Its

Influence on Ethical Formalism
Ethical formalism focuses on ones duty beyond
written laws (intrinsic)
Classified as a Deontological Theory (from Greek
, deon, "obligation, duty)
Has roots in the works of German philosopher
Immanuel Kant (22 April 1724 12 February
1804)

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

German philosopher
One of the most influential
philosophers in the history of
Western philosophy.
Comprehensive and systematic work
inepistemology (the theory of
knowledge),ethics, andaesthetics.

Immanuel Kant (1724-1804)

Rationalism & Empiricism

He argues that the human understanding is the source of the general

laws of nature that structure all our experience; and that human reason
gives itself the moral law, which is our basis for belief in God, freedom,
and immortality. Therefore, scientific knowledge, morality, and religious
belief are mutually consistent and secure because they all rest on the
same foundation of human autonomy.

What can we know?

Our knowledge is constrained to mathematics and the science of the

natural, empirical world. It is impossible, Kant argues, to extend
knowledge to the supersensible realm of speculative metaphysics. The
reason that knowledge has these constraints is that the mind plays an
active role in constituting the features of experience and limiting the
minds access only to the empirical realm of space and time.

Critique of Pure Reason (1781,

1787)

Priori knowledge based from reason

Posteriori knowledge- based from experience

From rationalism, he draws the idea that pure reason is

capable of significant knowledge but rejects the idea that
pure reason can tell us anything about things-inthemselves.

From empiricism, he draws the idea that knowledge is

essentially knowledge from experience but rejects the idea

Critique of Pure Reason (1781,

1787)
a)Sensation
) Space external intuition
) Time internal intuition
b) Judgement
-) Opposed to synthetic judgement and analytical judgement
-) Synthetic a priori judgments, which are synthetic because the
content of them is supplied by a synthesis of the facts of experience,
and a priori, because theformof universality andnecessityis
imposed on them by the understanding independently of experience.

Critique of Pure Reason (1781,

1787)
c) Reasoning
- three distinct operations, namely, categorical, hypothetical,
and disjunctive reasoning.
- three "ideas", theideaof thesoulas thinking subject
(psychologicalidea), theideaofmatteras the totality of
phenomena (cosmologicalidea), and theideaofGodas the
supremeconditionof all reality (theologicalidea).

Critique of Practical Reason (1788)

Morality applies to all rational beings, and a moral
action is defined as one that is determined by
reason, not by our sensual impulses.
Worth of the motive by asking whether we could
turn that motive into a universally applicable
maxim.

Critique of Practical Reason (1788)

Categorical Imperative we must act in such a way
that we could will the maxim according to which we
act to be universal law.
Universality of moral law applies equally to all people.
Recognize other people as moral agents and always
treat them as ends in themselves, not as a means by
which we can achieve our own ends.

Critique of Practical Reason (1788)

Kingdom of Ends ideal society wherein people are
at once both the authors and the subjects of the laws
they obey.
Morality is based in the concept of freedom or
autonomy.
One does not simply act but is able to reflect and
decide whether to act in a given way.

Critique of the Faculty of

Judgement (1790)
a) Critique of Aesthetic Judgement
-) Judgments of taste
-) base on individuals subjective feelings
-) are universal because they are disinterested
-) Aesthetic pleasure comes from the free play between the
imagination and understanding when perceiving an object.
b) Critique of Teleological Judgement
-) something has an end or purpose
-) can only be understood from the point of view of its purpose

Form and Content

Formalism is the view that theoretical information
about an object, or practical guidance about how to
treat it, is to be derived from attention to its form
rather than its matter or content.

Form these are the laws and the attitude and intention
of the agent.

Content includes what is done and its

consequences.

Form and Content

Formalism is ethical universalism made into
laws that are absolute. Therefore, the content
of any specific moral action has no meaning.
Examples:
Abortion Murder
Cheating Stealing

Components of Formalism

Categorical Imperative
Hypothetical Imperative
Perfect Duty
Imperfect Duty

IMPERATIVES

Imperatives
commands certain courses ofaction

Two Types of Duties

Categorical Imperative
Conditional or Hypothetical
Imperative

Categorical Imperatives
a moral law that is unconditionalor
absolute for all agents
the validity or claim of which does
not depend on any ulterior motive or
end.

Categorical Imperatives
An act is morally right if and only if
we can will it to become a universal
law of conduct.
- William H. Shaw

Categorical Imperatives
EXAMPLE
Categorical: Thou shalt not steal.
Hypothetical: Do not steal if you want
to go to heaven.

Universal Acceptability
states that as rational, moral beings,
individuals are bound by logic and its
demands.
Act only on that maxim through which
you can at the same time will that it
become a universal law.

Idea of Humanity
Act in such a way that you always
treat humanity [yours or another
person's] never merely as a means but
always at the same time as an end-initself.
Treat others as you would like to be

The Thirsty Man

Hypothetical Imperatives
If a person wills an end and certain
means are necessary to achieve that
end and are within his power, then he
ought to will those means.
-Thomas E. Hill Jr.

Hypothetical Imperatives
a duty that is necessary to
accomplish a specific goal.
It is something that we do to achieve
an end

Example 1

If I want to pass
ChE 600, I must
submit my
review
notebook
regularly and
prepare for the
exams.

Example 2
If I want to get fit, Ill
eat healthy food and
will exercise.

Example 3
If I want to save
money, Ill try to be
thrifty on spending
my allowance

Hypothetical Imperatives
any moral "rule" about how to act is
hypothetical because it assumes that your
goal is to be moral, or to be happy, or to
please God, etc.
only non-hypothetical imperatives are ones
which tell you to do something no matter who
you are or what you want, because the thing
is good in itself.

Perfect Duty
According to his reasoning, we first have
a perfect duty not to act by maxims that
result in logical contradictions when we
attempt to universalize them.
In general, perfect duties are those that
are blameworthy if not met, as they are
a basic required duty for a human being.

Imperfect Duty
Which are still based on pure reason, but which
allow for desires in how they are carried out in
practice. Because these depend somewhat on the
subjective preferences of humankind, this duty is
not as strong as perfect duty, but is still morally
binding.
You do not attract blame should you not complete
an imperfect duty but you shall receive praise for it
should you compete it.

4 Categories of duties:
Perfect duties toward ourselves
eg. To refrain from suicide

Perfect duties toward others

eg. To refrain from making promises you have no intention
of keeping

Imperfect duties toward ourselves

eg. To develop one's talents

Imperfect duties toward others

eg. To contribute to the happiness of others

Connection of Formalism in
Engineering Ethics

Engineering Ethics
Is a field of applied ethics.
System of moral principles that apply
to the practice of engineering.
Obligations to the society, to their
clients, and to the profession.

General Principles
Obligation to society
AIChE: "To achieve these goals, members shall
hold paramount the safety, health and welfare
of the public and protect the environment in
performance of their professional duties."

Whistleblowing
Conduct

Cases that Involve

Engineering Ethical Issues

1876- Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster

1981- Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse
1984- Bhopal Disaster

Connection of Formalism in
Engineering Ethics

Engineering Ethics
Is a field of applied ethics.
System of moral principles that apply
to the practice of engineering.
Obligations to the society, to their
clients, and to the profession.

General Principles
Obligation to society
AIChE: "To achieve these goals, members shall
hold paramount the safety, health and welfare
of the public and protect the environment in
performance of their professional duties."

Whistleblowing
Conduct

Cases that Involve

Engineering Ethical Issues

1876- Ashtabula River Railroad Disaster

1981- Hyatt Regency Walkway Collapse
1984- Bhopal Disaster

To Achieve these Goals, Members shall:

Hold paramount the safety, health and welfare of
the public and protect the environment in
performance of their professional duties.
Formally advise their employers or clients (and
consider further disclosure, if warranted) if they
perceive that a consequence of their duties will
adversely affect the present or future health or
safety of their colleagues or the public.
Accept responsibility for their actions, seek and
heed critical review of their work and offer

To Achieve these Goals, Members shall:

Issue statements or present information only in an
objective and truthful manner.
Act in professional matters for each employer or
client as faithful agents or trustees, avoiding conflicts
of interest and never breaching confidentiality.
Treat all colleagues and co-workers fairly and
respectfully, recognizing their unique contributions
and capabilities by fostering an environment of
equity, diversity and inclusion.

To Achieve these Goals, Members shall:

Perform professional services only in areas of their
competence.
Build their professional reputations on the merits of their
services.
Continue their professional development throughout their
careers, and provide opportunities for the professional
development of those under their supervision.
Never tolerate harassment.
Conduct themselves in a fair, honorable and respectful
manner.