Kantian Ethics And The Categorical Imperative Essay

Analysis of Kantian Ethics and critiques In Elements of Pure Practical Reason Book, I, Immanuel Kant, a prominent late Enlightenment Era German philosopher discusses his most famous ethical theory, the â€Å"Categorical Imperative.† The â€Å"Categorical Imperative† is a proposed universal law in stating all humans are forbidden from certain actions regardless of consequences. Although this is the general definition of this ethical theory, the Categorical Imperative† exists in two above formulations, A strict interpretation of Categorical Imperative and a more liberal interpretation. This Kantian moral theory shapes almost all of Immanuel Kant’s work on morality and ethics, particularly his â€Å"a priori principle† on human rights. Although Kant ultimately developed enlightenment era political theory, many of his views are often seen as bizarre or even controversial at times, particularly in regards his â€Å"a priori principles† of the people and the Categorical Imperative itself. By further analysis of the categorical imperatives and critiques, objections, and the theory’s connections with the â€Å"a priori principles,† Kantian philosophy implication as well as critic’s views on the philosophy will be readily apparent. According to Immanuel Kant, the Categorical Imperative exists in two forms. The first formulation,† A rational being cannot regard his maxims as practical universal laws unless he conceives them as principles which determine the will, not by their matter, but by their form, only†Show MoreRelatedA Critique of the Categorical Imperative1689 Words   |  7 PagesA Critique of the Categorical imperative Immanuel Kant was without doubt one of the most influential Philosophers of his time. He was born in Koinsberg, Prussia on the 22nd of April 1724, and died on the 12th of February 1804 at the age of 79. Throughout his life Kant contributed his ideas to many major fields of Philosophy; however his biggest contribution was to the realm of ethics, when he developed the concept of the categorical imperative. He first introduced this idea in 1785 in a book he titledRead MoreKant s Impact On Ethics1389 Words   |  6 Pageslate 18th century. During this enthusiastic time period, there emerged a strong belief in the ability of human reason to help understand the world and solve its numerous problems- including ethical ones. Kant’s contribution to ethics has been very substantial, and although ethics is the field he’s had the most profound impact on, Kant also spent his time working in other areas, such as metaphysics and epistemology. Metaphysics is defined as â€Å"the bran ch of philosophy that deals with abstract conceptsRead MoreVolkswagen Utilitarian Ethics1055 Words   |  5 Pageshe designed the software or he decided to create it on his own to meet requirements his superiors gave him. Both rule utilitarianism and Kantian duty ethics would condemn Liang’s actions as unethical. According to Kantian ethics, morality is governed by a universal moral law, the Categorical Imperative. One’s actions must not only obey the Categorical Imperative, but also be governed by purity of will. Purity of will means that one acts morally because it is the right thing to do rather than a selfishRead MoreKantian Ethics And Communitarian Ethics Essay1448 Words   |  6 Pagesgood? In order to answer this question, I will analyze two concepts: Kantian Ethics and Communitarian Ethics. Using Ethical Issues in Modern Medicine by Bonnie Steinbock, Alex London, and John Arras, I will explain both concepts and their understanding of moral reasoning. Focusing on categorical imperatives and the universality test, I will explain Kantian ethics in reference to the good will. I will then explain Communitarian ethics in reference to collectivism. Using both ethical concepts, I willRead MoreThe Case Of Engineer James Liang And The Volkswagen Emission Scandal1291 Words   |  6 Pag esand his team of engineers developed a â€Å"defeat† device that allowed diesel powered vehicles to pass the EPA emission test, when in fact the vehicles were emitting up to 30 times the allowable limit. To many, this may seem a black and white case of ethics due to the fact that Liang’s team and Volkswagen blatantly cheated on a governmental testing regulation and then proceeded to falsely advertise the vehicles as â€Å"clean diesel and environmentally friendly† as reported by the United States DepartmentRead MoreMorality via Kant and Hegel1712 Words   |  7 PagesTranscendental Idealism as his cornerstone, Kant argued that Reason – to him a defining and immutable trait of human nature – allows for the derivation of formal and universally valid moral princip-les. His famous derivation of these, the Categorical Imperative, tantalizing promises an Archimedean point to morality: The moral standpoint from which one can always judge apodictically w hat is right independent of one’s vested empirical interests. Opposite the classical eudemonistic theories, Kant importantlyRead MoreCorporate Approaches to Responsible Business1492 Words   |  6 Pagespublicity if the company is making false claim rather that to be sincere. Question 2 : Assess Kellogg’s CSR Statement using Kantian and Utilitarian theory Answer: Utilitarianism Firstly this part will assess Kelloggs CSR statement by using the principles of Utilitarian. Utilitarianism states that a philosophical school of thought arguing that ethics must be based on whatever brings the greatest amount of good to the greatest number of people. Utilitarianism refers to the moral theoryRead MoreThe Ethical Dilemma Of Jean Mcguire Essay1690 Words   |  7 Pagesuse of such devices and as a result her sales have fallen well below those of her co-workers’. Unsure what to do and worried about losing her job it appears Jean is facing an ethical dilemma. This dilemma will be subsequently discussed using the Kantian perspective and the contrasting utilitarian perspective. The nature of an ethical dilemma according to Rossy (2011) is that the ‘right’ thing to do is not clear and resolution is neither simple nor easy. Jean is being asked to use closing techniquesRead MoreKantian Ethical Analysis1614 Words   |  6 Pagesb) - Kantian Ethical Analysis: 1 - Introduction and brief explanation of Kantian ethics: German philosopher Kant was first to introduce the Kantian ethics; hence, the named after him. According to Professor Elizabeth Anscombe, Immanuel Kant was Unitarianism’s rival; he believed actions that are taboo should be completely prohibited at all times. For instance, murder should be prohibited. Even though nowadays a person cannot be punished if death is involved as a self defense, from Kant’s perspectiveRead MoreQuestions on Ethical Problems734 Words   |  3 Pagesethical problem you have described The term deontology comes from the Greek word meaning duty (Business Ethics: Kantian Ethics (Deontology), 2005). Therefore, deontological ethics refers to the moral duty to act a certain way. Deontological ethics are the opposite of consequentialist ethics, which suggest that an act is morally justified if no harm is done. In other words, deontological ethics suggest that an act can be judged according to rules of right versus wrong, as opposed to judging the outcomes