various versions of formalists’ criticisms and point out the problems with each accordingly. In the second section, I proceed to pose a non-formalist theory of value or what may be termed a rival Kantian theory, referred to as Value Realism. The third section offers the primary aspect of this project: an explicit explanation of the larger scheme of Kantian value realism which includes three central, independent values, impartiality, dignity and freedom. While many formalists would agree that these three values are referred to in Kant’s ethics none would agree that these independent values are central in Kant’s system since formalists consider impartiality, freedom, and dignity the products of the will and not values. At the same time, for …show more content…
Unlike the original emptiness charge and the formalists’ and non-formalists’ positions, contemporary scholars argue that every form of CI, whether CI1, CI2, CI3, or the autonomy formulation, is too formal to guide action. These scholars insist that CI does not ground Kant’s theory with a substantive value judgment given that Kant acknowledges formality in his theory. Specifically, the moral law (the formal component) is defined prior to the Good that is described in Kant’s terminology as reciprocity or the practical sense of universality, the end of which is humanity and autonomy. Some of these scholars have engaged rather heated debates as they seek to adapt some values as substantive but deny others. For example, they may recognize autonomy as concrete, but the ideas of self-end and self-dignity as abstract. On the other hand, they may point out that self-end and consideration for others (reciprocity) is concrete while autonomy remains abstract. However, whatever their various positions, in my view, these scholars only understand CI in a partial sense; this constitutes the broad emptiness charge or broad Kantian formalism.
In order to provide greater clarity as well as the grounds for an examination of ethical theory, I will first address the problems within the broad Kantian formalism. Thereafter, I will contrast the original emptiness charge with the formalist reconstructions. Finally,
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I suggest we are able to avoid this peculiarity of Kant’s ethics and the problems arising from the broad emptiness charge in Kantian non-formalism value theory.
In the end, Kantian formalism, both the narrow and broad forms, are misleading views, which calls for some alternative way to explain Kant’s ethics. We find, then another interpretation of Kant that is persuasively valid and that recognizes both the weaknesses and strengths in his ethical theory. If we fail to embrace this challenge by considering Kant’s ethics as an insuperable obstacle, we will be halted in our desire to deepen and enrich philosophical
In a simplistic sense Utilitarianism, originally established by Jeremy Bentham, is the ethical and teleological theory which maintains it is the total consequences of an action which determines its rightness or wrongness; that is, it is not just my happiness which should be taken into account but the happiness of everyone concerned. However, although this is the classical approach to Utilitarianism, this theory as be interpreted in numerous ways- in this essay I will focus on three (Act, rule and preference utilitarianism). Another approach to moral philosophy was put forward by Immanuel Kant, Kant proposes that only duty and rules should govern our actions, as consequences are beyond our control. As a Deontologist Kant faces the same problems
Kant elucidate the meaning of human good by talking about three qualities: power, pleasure and dignity. By reading each of the philosopher’s text individually, the reader is able to recognize which quality is most imperative to each philosopher. Additionally, each philosopher illuminates the importance of that certain good and provides a feasible reason for their choosing by presenting general ideas that enables the reader to gain a meticulous understanding of their subjective meaning of each good and its importance.
In “Morality as a System of Hypothetical Imperatives,” Philippa Foot argues that moral judgments are in hypothetical imperatives rather than categorical imperatives. For Kant, categorical imperatives are actions that are good in themselves and do not depend on desires, while, hypothetical imperatives are “actions that are good to some purpose” (306). According to Foot, hypothetical imperatives alone serve as the basis of moral judgments because categorical imperatives give us no reason to obey them. In this paper, I will explain foots argument that moral judgments are hypothetical imperatives. I will then argue that that Foot’s theory of moral judgments fails in two ways. First, placing moral judgments in hypothetical imperatives fails to designate moral from immoral contingent ends, and second, the hypothetical imperative weakens morality by making it too optional. To show this, I will first argue that placing moral judgments in hypothetical imperatives begs the question of what is the moral basis of its own contingent end. I will then propose a decision procedure for determining the moral value of the contingent ends of hypothetical imperatives. Then I will argue that the Leningrad does not solve and that basing moral judgments in hypothetical imperatives still makes morality too optional.
Ethical formalism was introduced by Immanuel Kant and is closely related to today’s absolutist theories. The fundamental purpose of Kant’s ethical theory is the principle of morality which involves a duty to behave according to the rules or laws under all circumstances. Ethical duties are determined rationally or logically and emotions are irrelevant when making a decision. Kant’s ethical formalism is deontological or duty based ethics which assesses morality by examining ones actions, not from the consequences of ones actions. Consequently, ethical formalist believe that there is a “categorical imperative” in which ethical decisions should be made.
By the end of section II of The Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant has established that, if there were a supreme moral law, it would look like the categorical imperative. His task in the final section of the Groundwork is to show that there does in fact exist such a moral law by proving that we have free wills, and secondary to this, he wants to show why we actually take an interest in morality. This paper will provide an account and evaluate the success of Kant’s argument in this final section.
Donald John Trump was sworn in as 45th president of the United States on Friday, January 20th, 2017. Trump was sworn in by chief justice John Roberts on both his childhood bible and the Lincoln bible. He was looked upon by the eyes of his predecessors, his family, and the watchful eyes of the citizens of the United States. Following his swearing in ceremony, Trump gave an inaugural speech that many analysts said was unlike any other they have heard.
Kant’s philosophy was based around the theory that we have a moral unconditional obligation and duty that he calls the “Categorical Imperative.” He believes that an action must be done with a motive of this moral obligation, and if not done with this intention then the action would hold no moral value. Under this umbrella of the “Categorical Imperative” he presents three formulations that he believes to be about equal in importance, relevance, and could be tested towards any case. The first formulation known as the Formula of Universal Law consists of a methodical way to find out morality of actions. The second formulation is known as
In this paper, we will be exploring both theories, but we will be favoring Kant’s theory. We will be applying both the theories to a case. The case being you lost your Philosophy textbook and then borrowed your friend’s Philosophy textbook to study for an upcoming test, which you also unfortunately lost. This morning your friend, asked for his book back so he can study for the same test. You looked into
He persuasively unveils imperatives both universal and hypothetical, the elements of unconventional practical reason, and examples of extreme controversy that force people to consider situations from a previously unconsidered moral perspective; however, Kant’s initial moral work is not without its critique: ranging from
This analysis seeks to explicate the fundamental issues in Kant’s philosophy, which include duty and reason. The examination of the movie Gone Baby Gone is viewed in the context of morality, as it shows an escapade of child abduction. While doing so, one of the fundamental questions to address in this submission is the distinction between what is good, and that, which is morally right. In addressing this question, the maxims by Emmanuel Kant form the important part of this study.
Kant had a different ethical system which was based on reason. According to Kant reason was the fundamental authority in determining morality. All humans possess the ability to reason, and out of this ability comes two basic commands: the hypothetical imperative and the categorical imperative. In focusing on the categorical imperative, in this essay I will reveal the underlying relationship between reason and duty.
Ethics can be defined as "the conscious reflection on our moral beliefs with the aim of improving, extending or refining those beliefs in some way." (Dodds, Lecture 2) Kantian moral theory and Utilitarianism are two theories that attempt to answer the ethical nature of human beings. This paper will attempt to explain how and why Kantian moral theory and Utilitarianism differ as well as discuss why I believe Kant's theory provides a more plausible account of ethics.
In this essay I have chosen to compare two opposing theories, Immanuel Kant 's absolutist deontological ethics and Joseph Fletchers relativist situation ethics. The deontological ethics focuses on actions made according to duty and the categorical imperative - which shows how acts are intrinsically good or bad. The situation ethics state that no act is intrinsically good or bad, and that actions should b made according to love. From this perspective it looks as thought Kant 's views were less personal than Fletcher 's, although in actuality both focus on the best outcome for humans.
Most non-athletic students, wonder how athletes do it, partake in sports and maintain good grades. Also, most Athletes dream of being a regular student, just working out to maintain a good health or not being demanded to at all. But looking at things from the regular students perspective, you can tell that working out when they’re in school is a task. Mainly because, they have so much going on, academically that working out seems to be a burden both mentally and physically. Although it is hard to get involve with physical activities, studies has shown, that once you become fully active in it and socialize among a group of people who are hold the same values and want to live a healthier lifestyle, you are more likely to continue it throughout college and your long term career. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of college students are currently active in regular exercise according to Jeon, Kim, and Heo.
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