Kant's Deontological Theory: Applying Ethical Theory

This paper is going to discuss Ethics and Ethical Theories. It will include an introduction to ethical theories, virtue ethics, and care ethics. There will be sections discussing absolutism versus relativism, consequentialism versus deontological ethics, and lastly, free will versus determinism. It will also include a discussion about the study of morality and identify which of the approaches (Scientific, Philosophical, or Theological/Religious) are closest to my own personal beliefs. There will be a discussion regarding the three sources of ethics

Overall, deontology is based upon not just by following universal rules or performing what is ought to do, but by respecting human beings as rational beings as well. Deontology judges the ethical motive of an action not by its consequences, merely by the reasoning behind it.

The theories of virtue, utilitarianism, and deontology are similar in some aspects but for the most part are very different. Each of the theories will be explained to show their differences and the type of person that would gravitate towards that theory. Through the explanations one would also be able to consider where there morals or ethics may lie but can also see themselves in each theory.

Deontological ethics is concerned with actions, not consequences. To act with good intention but have a bad outcome is still moral. Similarly if the intention

Immanuel Kant was a moral philosopher. His theory, better known as deontological theory, holds that intent, reason, rationality, and good will are motivating factors in the ethical decision making process. The purpose of this paper is to describe and explain major elements of his theory, its essential points, how it is used in the decision making process, and how it intersects with the teams values.

The deontology theory and the branches of Utilitarianism theory both classify human actions of which are morally right and wrong. These theories can be used

Kant would argue that you should never treat people merely as instruments; never just as means to your goals. As a deontological perspective, we recoil from torturing the child because it treats a person only as a means to an end. Kant’s deontological approach consists of two universal rules by which moral questions can be addressed. The first one states: ‘Act as though the maxim of your action were by your will to become a universal law of nature.’ His second rule states that: ‘Act so that you treat humanity, whether in your person or in that of another, always as an end and never as a means only.’ The act of torture under the first rule cannot be justified as we would not accept it being universalised and can potentially be used against ourselves.

I Introduction Ethics by definition comprise the beliefs and values behind an individual’s actions, in addition to being the philosophical study of such moral principles (Dictionary.com, 2017). Therefore, the purpose behind studying ethics is to improve the quality of life of mankind, while creating a moral structure to follow and promote (Kraut, 2014). Throughout history, many philosophers have contributed to the study of ethics; however, Aristotle, Immanual Kant, and John Stuart Mill have substantially contributed to their respective ethical views. Firstly, Aristotle was a proponent of virtue ethics, which is about character.

Looking at case study 1 considering the theories we have discussed during this THL 270 course, I have decided to advise Sarah to lie on her resume. When I first examined this case study at the beginning of this course, I advised Sarah of the same thing as I do now, but my ethical reasoning was different. I originally took the standpoint of John Stuart Mill and his theory of Utilitarianism. I said my reasoning was this because she would be doing a greater good for a greater number of people by lying. I do not discredit this theory now, but I feel my ethical reasoning’s align more with another theory. I also have formed greater understandings of theories presented in this course to better advise Sarah.

The Deontological ethics is marked by steadfastness to universal principles—for example, respect for life, fairness, telling the truth, keeping promises—no matter what the consequences (Halbert, Law & Ethics in the Business Environment. pg. 17).

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?

The existence of God is something that most people take for granted. In your upbringing you are taught that God is the most supreme being, the creator of all, infinite and eternal. Taking into account the type of society in which we live in and the fact that it is usually our parents who teach us about God, most people do not even question his existence. Many philosophers who believe in God have tried to prove his existence using many different types of argument. One of these arguments is the ontological argument. It was made famous by the 11th century philosopher Anselm. The ontological argument has three properties: 1. It is an a priori argument. 2. It treats existence as a property. 3. It is

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 perspective this is still prohibited, although sometimes these actions bring more happiness to the big majority of people than sorrow. Kant stated that before acting, one should ask his/her self: am I acting rationally and in a way that everyone will act as I purpose to act? Is my action going to respect the moral law or just my own purpose? If the answer to those questions is a no, the action must be abandoned. Kant’s theory is an example of the deontological theory that was developed in the age of enlightenment. According to Elizabeth, these theories say that “the rightness or wrongness of actions does not depend on their consequences but on whether they fulfill our duty.”( Anscombe, 2001) Kant said that morality is built based on what he called “Hypothetical Imperatives”, but rather principles called “Categorical Imperatives” he referred to it as the supreme principle of morality. (Texas A&M University, n.d.) Cavico and Mujtaba reported on their book that Kant stated that morality

The Universal law is that one should act on the maxim a law which can become a universal law in nature when acceptable and sustainable.

Many philosophers have represented their views on moral philosophy, with different approaches on how a human being should live his or her life, based on what is right and wrong. Would you perceive a specific action to be moral based on inclination or because it was just a means to an end or because it is what duty requires? Immanuel Kant believes the actions performed as duty requires are the only ones with moral worth. On the other hand, Hume considers morality to come from within, through motivation and actions rather than through reason. This paper aims to prove how Immanuel Kant’s deontology is the absolute ethical system of “moral law”. To demonstrate this, we will explore appropriate arguments given by Kant through his fundamental principles of the metaphysics and Hume’s