Comparing Kantian Theory And Virtue Ethics

Immanuel Kant the founder of the "Categorical Imperative" (CI) argues that morality is based on standards of rationality. Therefore, to act in disaccord with the CI is to act irrationally or immorally. In comparison to Christianity, to act immorally is to act in disagreement with God's laws. Kant's CI is formulated into three different ways, which include: The Universal Law Formulation, The Humanity or End in Itself Formulation, and The Kingdom of Ends Formulation (Stanford) . The first to formulas combine to create the final formulation. Christianity closely relates to each formula, except for the final formulation. Christianity provides context where following the CI will not result in moral

Honorable, industrious, frank, and conforming are the four principles that I have been adhering to ever since my first moral lesson twelve years in ethics school. But human is a social animal—in the wide ocean of socialization, we are forced to face different situations that may require individualized solutions, with the four principles being broken at times.

Recognizing that not all decisions are ethical, one’s moral principles acts as a guide for their behavior and decision making. Therefore, ethics do (and should) play a major role in decision making.

Ethics and virtue have been a very contentious issue facing society for centuries. Many argue over the merits of various theories, each with its own philosophies and assumptions. It is this argument that has given rise to many popular and followed theories of ethics and virtues. The theories discussed primarily in this document include the virtue theory, utilitarianism, and deontological theory. Each is very distinct to the others in regards to its principles and assumptions regarding human behavior. Each however, has merit in regards to question of ethics and virtue, and how it should subsequently be valued.

When we talk about whether or not a person is ethically right, we can look at the actions that he or she may partake in. These actions maybe studied in different situations such as the one that we were told to evaluate. While leaving the grocery store, one witnesses an old man struggling with his oxygen tank. Without thinking, you lift the tank and help the elderly man. This action is a kind gesture, but would we consider this a moral act? One could analyze this situation with two different ethical theories, by Kantian and/or Aristotelian views.

The third ethical and moral theory That Kant devised is the ‘good will’ Kant describes the good will as the desire or inclination to do your duty because it is your duty, unlike the ‘categorical imperative’ and the ‘hypothetical imperative’. According to Kant’s theory of the ‘goodwill’ if you have a good will you are a good person, if not you are not only a bad person you are not even considered to be essentially a human. In the ‘good will’ Kant believes having perseverance being courageous, intelligence etc. does not make any difference you still remain a ‘bad’ person, as you could use all of those same traits such as perseverance, intelligence and courage you may use those same traits to become a murder or abuser etc. furthermore Kant states;

Every action and decision one makes is derived from ethics. In my opinion, ethics is about doing the right thing no matter the situation. Ethics has a lot to do with one’s personal values and it is important due to the fact that it influences the way a person governs their life. I believe being ethical has a lot to do with the way one was brought up and the values that were instilled into them from a young age. My ethical views originated from my upbringing and the lessons my parents taught me. My parents are big believers of always doing the right thing and that mindset got passed onto me. My ethical values shape who I am as a person and impacts the way I go about life. Ethics is extremely important to me because I want to be the best version of myself and with that entails

“There is no possibility of thinking of anything at all in this world, or even out of it, which can be regarded as good without qualifications, except a good will.” (Kant, pg.7 393). No other thing that may appear good can be unqualifiedly good, as even “Talents of the mind…Gifts of power…[Other] qualities…Have no intrinsic unconditional worth, but they always presuppose, rather, a good will, which restricts the high esteem in which they are otherwise rightly held.” (Kant, pg.7 393-394). So Immanuel Kant introduces the public to his Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals, which results not in simply a grounding work, but one that is utterly groundbreaking. This opener, wholly devoted to the establishment of the importance of will and intention, notes the guiding characteristics of a good will. As enumerated previously, Kant recognizes the plausible potential positivity of plenty concepts, but remains of the mind that none of these are good in themselves without the efforts of a good will to guide and restrict them in a manner that perpetuates their positivity.

In this paper, the comparison of Immanuel Kant’s theory of The Categorical Imperative and Aristotle’s theory of Nature of Virtue is discussed. Kant’s theory will tell a categorical imperative, a hypothetical imperative, meaning of a maxim, a control condition, the meaning of good will, desires versus the reason and lastly, the formula of universal law. Aristotle’s theory will discuss the role of habituation, the life of rational activity, the function of humans, the meaning of eudemonia, the life of rational activity, the function of humans, moral virtues, The Golden Mean and finally, the flaw in differentiation of virtue and vice. The conclusion of this paper will surround the idea that Kant’s theory is overall better because of the fact that there is inconsistency in the maxims and that there is the FUL model that can prove his theory that is all inclusive that appeals to every human being. Overall, Aristotle’s theory has a different undertaking. Although it has a similar goal, a virtuous life, the task of reaching it is much harder because his moral path is much harsher.

In the late 18th century one of the most influential philosophers by the name of Immanuel Kant introduced the third major ethical philosophy, Deontology. The basis behind Deontology is that people are duty bound to act morally by certain standards despite the outcome. Determining whether a person’s actions are morally right involves look at the intent of the actions. Like other ethic theories, Deontologist applies the golden rule of treating other people the way you would want them to treat you. Deontology can be broken down into three different theories: agent-centered, patient centered, and contractualist. Each branch of Deontology can be traced back in some way to Immanuel Kant. Can Deontology be applied to today’s society?

When surrounded by different groups, one uses various types of ethics. For example when one is surrounded by friends and brothers or sisters one forgets what on was taught by our elders about manners and about being courteous, but when dealing with elders or a superior, certain carefulness is necessary. One cannot just say anything that pops out into one’s head, because one can be judged accordingly and would be thought to be vulgar or disrespectful. We develop many values and ethics through past experiences whether it is a positive or negative experience. These thoughts and beliefs are what guide us through our

In today's world, individuals can make a single decision that can have a profoundly positive or negative effect on their family, their employer, coworkers, a nation, and even on the entire world. The life we lead reflects the strength of a single trait: our personal character. Personal ethics are different for each person but for the most part, people want to be known as a good person, someone who can be trusted, and he or she are concerned about his or her relationships and personal reputations. As we go through this paper, we will focus on answering what are ethics, what are your ethics, where do your ethics come from, and how do you manifest your ethics?

In today’s continuous changing world, the one thing that remains constant for most of us is our personal value system of beliefs, known as ethics. Ethics can also be referred to as morals. Therefore, ethics are those morals that reflect and indicate issues that concern behaviors that are right or wrong and the good and bad habits of individual character. This important standard of beliefs can in most cases create the difference in attitudes from others both

Even though I do not always speak up when I know something is wrong, I have a strong code of personal ethics because I believe loyalty, honesty, and above all, respect for others will guide me to make me the proper ethical decisions throughout my life.

B. The categorical imperative is the foundation of morality. Do you agree? Discuss with reference to Kant ethical theory?