Prima facie duties are different from categorical duties in that:
Answer
They can be overridden by more important duties in a given situation.
They only need to be followed if doing so brings the best consequences.
They only apply to some people.
They only apply to face-to-face interactions.
they can be overridden by more important duties in a given situation
To determine the difference between prima facie duties and categorical duties, we need to understand the concepts of each.
Prima facie duties are moral obligations that are considered binding unless they conflict with another more important duty. These duties are obligations that we have a moral reason to follow, but they can be overridden in certain circumstances.
In contrast, categorical duties, commonly associated with the philosophy of Immanuel Kant, are unconditional moral obligations that we are always bound to follow, regardless of the specific circumstances or consequences. Kant argued that categorical duties apply universally and are derived from the categorical imperative, which states that we should act in a way that we would want to be a universal law.
Now, let's apply this understanding to the given options:
1. They can be overridden by more important duties in a given situation.
This accurately describes the nature of prima facie duties. They can indeed be overridden by more important duties when they conflict.
2. They only need to be followed if doing so brings the best consequences.
This statement is not accurate for prima facie duties. Prima facie duties are not solely determined by the consequences or outcomes of a particular action.
3. They only apply to some people.
Prima facie duties apply universally, not just to some people. They are moral obligations that are relevant to all individuals.
4. They only apply to face-to-face interactions.
This statement is not accurate for prima facie duties. Prima facie duties are not limited to face-to-face interactions but apply to moral obligations in general.
Therefore, the correct answer is:
Prima facie duties are different from categorical duties in that they can be overridden by more important duties in a given situation.