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A History of Ideas: Kant's Axe

Harry Shearer on Kant's Axe

Is it right to tell a lie in order to save your friend from an axe wielding, homicidal maniac? Emmanuel Kant said ‘No’. In this gruesome tale we discover the deontological approach to ethics, epitomised by Kant’s Categorical Imperative. It also gives us some insight into why Kant had so few friends.

Want to hear more on this topic?

Here’s the whole episode from A History of Ideas – Theologian Giles Fraser on Moral Character

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